Food and Water

Water is the most important emergency supply. You can store water from the tap, buy bottled water, or both. In addition, food may not be available during a disaster. It’s important that you have enough food and water on-hand so you and your family can be self-sufficient for three days. Stock up now so you’re ready for whatever comes along.

What is “sanitary water?” While drinking water is for drinking, sanitary water is for bathing, washing and flushing the toilet if the water system fails.

First Aid and Personal Hygiene

You’ll need first-aid and hygiene supplies in your emergency kit. Be sure you are prepared to treat minor injuries, manage pre-existing conditions and reduce your risk for illness during an emergency situation.

Many ready-made first-aid kits don’t have everything you need for an emergency. Don’t take it for granted that an off-the-shelf kit is complete. Building your own first-aid kit can give you the peace of mind that you have the basic first-aid needs of your family covered. Below is a list of recommended first-aid essentials:

•   2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
•   25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
•   1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
•   5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
•   2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
•   1 instant cold compress
•   2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
•   2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
•   oral thermometer, scissors, tweezers
•   1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
•   1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
•   5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
•   5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
•   2 triangular bandages
•   Moistened towelettes
•   Antiseptic
•   Rubbing alcohol
•   Needle
•   Tongue blades (2)
•   Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
•   Extra eye glasses
•   Insect repellant

Why backup prescriptions? During an emergency, you might not have access to your doctor to refill your prescriptions and/or the drugstores might not be open.

Why hand sanitizer? During a disaster situation, you might come in contact with harmful chemicals or germs. Keeping your hands clean helps prevent illness.

Baby Items

A young child relies on you to provide the basic care it needs to survive. By setting aside baby items ahead of time, you’ll effectively reduce the complications associated with caring for a young child during a stressful, disaster situation.

Lighting and Communication

During a disaster, you might find yourself without power, so you need to have one or more battery-operated radios or TVs on-hand. You’ll need to have battery-powered lights as well. Be sure every member of your family has at least one flashlight. Don’t forget plenty of extra batteries

Why are candles not included? If you have pets or children, candles can be a dangerous fire hazard. Use candles only with extreme care and never when there are strong winds.

What’s the best radio for an emergency? An AM/FM/Weatherband radio that can be powered by batteries AND plugged into an electrical outlet is your best choice.

Why a corded phone? Cordless phones won’t work during a power outage. A corded phone can be used during a power outage, since it doesn’t plug in to an electrical outlet. The long cord means you can take it to the safest part of your house.

Family Safety Items

Keeping your family safe during a disaster comes from having the right combination of home safety essentials and handy emergency aids. This list of easy-to-find items for your emergency kit will provide an additional layer of protection for your family.

Why a carbon-monoxide detector? Deadly carbon monoxide from a generator outside your house can filter in through vents or open windows. You would never know it was happening without an inexpensive detector.

What does bleach do? Non-scented bleach can be used to purify water for drinking or sanitize water for bathing, cooking and cleaning.

Why sunscreen and insect repellant? Sunscreen can help protect your skin when you’re outdoors, especially waiting in lines for relief aid. Insects can be a problem during the summer months or after heavy rains, so you’ll want a strong repellant.

Transportation

Texas is a big state. If you have to leave home, you might have to drive a long way before you find a safe place to stay. These items will help ensure that your family and your car are ready for the journey.

Why state and regional road maps? During an emergency, you might not be able to travel on familiar roadways. Maps will help you navigate your way to safety.

Pet Needs

When you make your emergency plans, don’t forget your pets. Here are the essential items your emergency kit should contain to help pets cope with a disaster situation.

Why a pet carrier/cage? While you might not cage your pet at home, having a carrier will help transport your pet safely during an evacuation, and may be required, depending on where you spend the night.