Prepare for crisis situations before they occur. Your family should have an emergency supply kit on hand, with supplies kept in water-resistant, easy-to-lift containers that can be moved rapidly if necessary. This suggested supply kit is appropriate for severe weather events as well as other emergencies. The kit should include:
- Battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- Blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothing
- Cash (power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable)
- Clean-up supplies
- Duct tape
- Extra medications and prescriptions, hearing aids and special medical items
- Eyeglasses and sunglasses
- Fire extinguisher
- First-aid kit
- Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence
- Manual can opener, knife, tools, and booster cables
- Road maps
- Rope
- Special supplies needed for babies, older adults or pets
- Tarp
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person per day, coolers for food and ice storage. Remember to change perishable supplies and water every six months
- Toilet paper