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Your family may be left on its own for several days following a major disaster. Here is a
list of items and supplies which all households should keep stored in a portable container
(a large trash can, duffle bag, backpack) in the event of evacuation or isolation.
Basics
• Check your emergency food supply twice a year and replace or rotate supplies
annually.
• Choose food that requires little or no preparation for cooking.
• Choose low salt foods that do not increase thirst.
• Choose meals that are easy to prepare.
• Choose food that comes in small cans or packages to facilitate storage.
• Eat one full square meal a day.
• Boil water for 5-10 minutes. Strain through paper towels to remove floating
particles.
• Or add 10 drops of household bleach solution per gallon of water. Shake well and
let stand for 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste indicates the water is safe to drink.
• Or add 15 drops of household tincture of iodine in the same manner as bleach
above.
• Or use commercial water purification tablets such as Halazone or Globaline.
Follow package instructions.
• Store water in heavy plastic containers, preferably opaque type or soft water
bottles. If you buy bottled water, check with the supplier to determine how long
the water may be stored safely.
• Store water in a cool, dark location on lower shelves, secured to prevent container
damage.
• Plan meals with those with special needs in mind. (elderly, infants, vegetarians,
etc.)
• Include meals with five basic food groups.
Emergency Food Planning
The following is a complete sample menu. You may be isolated, or in a situation with
no water or electricity. The following menu is based on the use of foods that require no
cooking.
Breakfast
Lunch or Supper
Snacks
Staples
• Canned protein food: Salmon, tuna, sardines, lunch meat, ham, beef, chicken
• Canned vegetables: green beans, beets, corn, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots,
spinach, turnip greens, peas
• Canned fruits: apple sauce, apricots, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, fruit
cocktail, etc.
• Dried fruits, nuts and seeds: raisins, prunes, peanuts, assorted nuts, etc.
• Tea bags, instant coffee, coffee or cocoa, fruit juices
• Non-fat or low-fat milk; evaporated milk if used within one day after opening and
kept at cool room temperature.
• Oatmeal cookies or crackers
• Peanut butter
• Ready-to-eat cereals
• Jelly, jams, preserves or honey
• Bread wrapped in its original wrapping
• Salt, pepper, sugar, catsup or prepared mustard
Household Supplies
The following list of supplies is an Aideal@ first aid kit; design for your own needs.
Survival
Safety
Tools
• Axe, shovel
• Crescent wrench: for turning off gas
• Screw driver, pliers
• Hammer
• Coil of 2" rope
• Pencil, paper, scissors
• Non-perishable food: store in empty coffee cans; phone money or calling card
• Bottled Water: one gallon per person per day
• First aid kit, blanket
• Flashlight, tools
• Whistle
• Walking shoes