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This list is to help prepare for an emergency, be it a natural or man-made disaster. Every household should be prepared to take shelter in their home or be ready to leave their home to seek shelter elsewhere.
The following items should be set aside in advance:
BASIC NEEDS
- Water (1 gallon per person per day, 2-week supply suggested)
- First aid kit
- Battery or crank operated radio, extra batteries
- Flashlight, extra batteries
- Cash/coins (small bills, $20’s, $10’s), ATM may not work
- Manual can opener
- Maps (local, state, regional, keep in car)
- Analog telephone
- Sleeping bag for all family members
- Clothing, 3-day supply
SPECIAL ITEMS
- Eyeglasses, contact lenses
- Hearing aids
- Prescription drugs
- Aspirin
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
- In-state contacts
- Out-of-state contacts
- Doctors/Veterinarian
BABY ITEMS
- Formula and food
- Diapers and wipes
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FOOD
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and juices
- Cereal, peanut butter, jelly
- High energy foods
- Powdered milk, granola bars
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS (Make copies, keep in waterproof, portable container)
- Insurance policies
- Birth certificate
- Passports, social security card, immunization records
- Bank & credit card information
SANITARY SUPPLIES
- Toilet paper
- Plastic garbage bags
- Household chlorine bleach, (unscented)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer
- Dental care supplies
PET
- Leash and ID tags
- Food and water
- Medication
- List of pet-friendly places (boarding/shelters)
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All water of uncertain quality should be treated before being used for drinking, food preparation, or hygiene. Boiling or chlorination will kill most microorganisms but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals. Before treating, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towels, a clean cloth, or coffee filter.
Water Purification Methods
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Boiling – Bring the water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiling water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two containers. |
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Disinfection – You can use household liquid bleach (unscented, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite) to kill microorganisms. Do not use scented bleaches, color safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand for 15 minutes. |
If the Electricity Goes Out: Do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. If the power outage is less than 2 hours you need not be concerned with refrigerated food. However, any perishable food that has been above
40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more, or any food with an unusual odor, color or texture should be discarded. Keeping a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer at all times helps you know if the food has maintained a safe temperature.
To maintain your disaster supplies kit, change out supplies every six months.
Do this when you are changing the clocks for daylight savings.
Additional handout information is available at the Redding Health Department (938-2559) and on the Health Department section of the Town of Redding website (see below).
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