|
Once you’ve gathered all your emergency supplies, you’ll want to consider how you will use them in different scenarios. For example, in case of a flash flood you may have to grab your kit and go by foot in a moment’s notice, whereas during a hurricane, you will evacuate ahead of time by car. Yet in other emergencies, sheltering in place may be your safest option.
Using the Build Your Emergency Supply Kit Checklist, prepare the following kits: |
 Evacuating on Foot with a Grab-and-Go Kit
You might have only a few minutes notice to take what you can and make your way to a safe location. Each family member's kit should be in portable container such as backpack or duffle bag near an exit in your home. |
 Non-perishable food that needs no cooking |
Water |
| Hand-operated can opener |
First-aid kit (see next page for contents) |
| Flashlight with extra batteries |
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries |
| Document Bag (see next page for contents) |
Prescription and backup medications |
| Extra clothes, sturdy shoes |
Nose and mouth protection masks (N-95 rating) |
| Whistle |
Plastic sheeting and duct tape |
| Hand sanitizer, wipes, personal hygiene supplies |
Rain gear |
| Sunscreen, insect repellent |
Baby items (formula, bottles, baby food) |
Pet Supplies: |
|
| Pet food, water and bowls |
Pet medications |
| Pet first-aid kit |
Recent photo, medical records, registration, etc. |
| Carrier, leash and toys |
Cat litter and box |
|
|
 Evacuating by Car
In emergencies in which you evacuate by car, take your go-kits and add additional supplies to your car. These items include:
|
| Phone charger (car adapter), extra cell phone battery |
Reading and sun glasses |
| Books, games, and toys |
Road maps |
| Extra Batteries |
Clothes |
| Soaps, personal supplies, baby items |
Blankets and pillows |
| Bleach, toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags |
Fix-A-Flat, tools, engine oil |
| Dental care, hearing and vision products |
More food and water |
| Phone charger (for standard electrical outlets) |
Plastic plates, cups, utensils |
| Matches and lighter |
Tent |
| Before you leave your home: |
|
| Fill your gas tank, check your spare tire |
Charge your mobile phone |
| Take cash, checkbook and credit cards |
Get a map of your route |
| Call your family emergency contact |
Identify gas stations and restaurants on your route |
|
 Sheltering in Place
In some emergencies, sheltering in place may be safer than evacuating. Tune in to local TV and radio for recommendations from local officials on whether to stay or go. To be prepared to shelter in place, keep these items at home: |
| Smoke detector with battery for each floor |
Land line phone with extra long cord |
Carbon monoxide detector with battery backup |
Fire extinguisher |
| |
|
 |
TexasPrepares.org |
|
 Document Bag Contents |
 First Aid Kit Contents
Recommended by the Red Cross |
- Cash, current picture I.D.s
- Medical records, x-rays, benefits documents, etc.
- Social security cards, birth certificates or proof of citizenship
- List of medications with dosages, doctors’ phone numbers
- Duplicate prescriptions from doctor
- List of important phone numbers (family, friends, etc.)
- Financial statements (bank accounts, tax returns, etc.)
- Copies of recent bills (power, water, etc.)
- Wills
- Insurance documents (homeowner, renter, life, flood)
- Home or other property deeds, leases, mortgages etc
- Vehicle titles, leases, loan documents, etc.
- Inventory of possessions and their value
- Backup computer files (on a CD, DVD, USB drive, etc.)
- Copies of important keys
|
- 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
- First aid instruction booklet
|
| Sheltering in Place Q&A |
Notes
|
What type of radio is best? An AM/FM/Weatherband radio that can be powered by batteries AND plugged into an electrical outlet is your best choice for an emergency. However, any battery-powered radio will do.
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.
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. To purify water, add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) per gallon in a large pot or kettle. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes.
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.
Why plastic sheeting? It can be used with duct tape to seal doors, windows, and air vents at home, and offers some protection from contaminated air, hazardous materials and bad weather if you must evacuate. |
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________ |
|
TexasPrepares.org |
| |
