One way to prepare ahead of time for a disaster is to assemble a disaster supplies kit. This list should contain six basics: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and special items. Keep items you would most likely need during an evacuation or disaster in an easy to carry container such as a large covered trash can, a camping backpack or a duffel bag. The following is a list of suggest supplies for the kit:

WATER

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day (three days minimum). Also keep a supply of water purifying agents in the kit.

FOOD

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight and don't forget to pack a can opener. Include a selection of these foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

• Milk – powdered or canned
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Juices – canned, powdered or crystallized
• Soups – bouillon cubes or dried soup in a cup
• Vitamins
• Smoked or dried meats such as beef jerky
• Stress foods – sugar cookies, hard candy, cereals
• High energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health food bars, trail mix

For more information on food and water in an emergency click here

FIRST AID KIT

You should have at least two first aid kits, one for your home and one for each vehicle. A basic emergency first aid kit should include:

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)
• Adhesive tape
• Triangular bandages (3)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Moistened towelettes (8-10 packages)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic spray

Other items to include are a thermometer, safety pins and latex gloves. Non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers, antacids and rubbing alcohol are also good items to include.

DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

Tools and supplies should include sanitation items, personal hygiene items, and soap or liquid detergent. Other items to consider packing are:

• A small ABC type fire extinguisher
• Pliers, screwdrivers, and hammer
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Non-electric can opener and a utility knife
• Mess kits or paper cups and plates
• Duct tape
• Plastic Sheeting
• Waterproof matches
• Aluminum foil
• Signal flares
• Sewing kit
• Adjustable wrench
• Plastic garbage bags
• A small shovel
• A small plastic bucket
• Disinfectant and household bleach
• Map of the Community

CLOTHING AND BEDDING

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person as well as:

SPECIAL ITEMS

• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Remember those with special needs, such as infants, elderly or disabled individuals.

Important documents should be copied and packed in a waterproof portable container. These papers should include:

• Wills, insurance policies, contracts and deeds
• Passports social security cards, immunization records
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, including photographs

Store your kit in a convenient and secure place known to all.  Keep the contents in air-tight plastic bags placed in a duffle bag or plastic tote. Stored water and food should be rotated every six months. Reevaluate your kit and needs at least once a year and replace batteries, update clothing, etc.

Should you have any questions, please call Boone County Emergency Management at (859) 334-2279.