Emergency Kit Checklist

Water
 Experts advise storage of one gallon of water per person per day. At least 3 days of water for each
family member and pet should be stored for emergencies.
 Each 150 lb person requires at least 1/2 gallon per day for drinking and 1/2 gallon for food preparation
and hygiene. Extra weight, physical activity, heat and stress all increase the amount needed. Also if you
want to brush your teeth or wash your face or dishes you will need more. Plan on 1 gallon of water per
day per person.
 Buy and store in small 1 liter sports bottles or large 2.5-5 gallon bottles.
 Have iodine tablets or chlorine bleach to purify more water if necessary
 Besides bottled water you can also pack sports drinks, individual fruit juice boxes, tea bags and instant
coffee and cups of soup.
 Having an ample supply of clean water is very important in an emergency. A person can survive one
week or longer without food but will perish without water.
 Store water in sealed plastic containers. Label them with dates and replace every six months.
Water Safety
 Do not use containers that can break or leak such as glass or milk cartons.
 Water needs to be treated only if it is of questionable purity. Local authorities will tell you if tap water is
safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your supply
is tested and found safe.
 Boiling is the safest method of treating water. Strain water through a clean cloth to remove bulk
impurities. Bring water to a rolling boil for about one full minute, keeping in mind that some water will
evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking.
 Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between
two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.
 Using Bleach to Purify Water -
 Household liquid bleach can be used to kill bacteria
 Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite
 Do not use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners
 Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir, and let it stand for 30 minutes
 For cloudy water, add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon
 If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15
minutes
 If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water
 Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that
do not contain 5.25 percent hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and
should not be used.
 Note: Treating water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or liquid bleach will not kill parasitic
organisms.
 Clean children's toys that have come in contact with water. Use a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5
gallons of water to clean the toys. Let toys air dry after cleaning.
 Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The
condensed vapor will not include salt or other solid impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water.
Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang rightside up when the lid is upside
down (make sure the cup is not touching the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water
that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
 If you have a few hours to plan, fill your 'clean' bathtub, sinks and empty food storage containers
with water.
 After rain or flooding, mosquitos breed in pools of standing water. Prevent mosquito bites by
wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and using insect repellents that contain DEET
or Picaridin.
Food
 Non perishable foods like crackers, canned meat, and ready to eat food should be stored. Don't forget to
store a can opener in your kit if your food will require it.
 store pet food.
 Store a one-week supply of food for each person. Select foods that don't require refrigeration, preparation
or cooking, and little or no water.
Suggested Foods -
 Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
 Snack sized canned items such as puddings and fruits are good because they usually have pull-top lids
 Pre-packaged lunch kits that don't require refrigeration and have all the parts needed such as crackers
and condiments and plastic utensils.
 Canned juice, milk, and soup (if powdered, store extra water)
 Prepackaged beverages in foil packets or foil-lined boxes are good because they are tightly sealed and
will store for a long time
 High-energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, energy bars, granola bars, and trail mix
 Protein drinks - liquid cans provide complete nutrition such as Slimfast and Ensure
 Comfort foods, such as hard candy, sweetened cereals, candy bars, and cookies
 Instant coffee, tea bags and powdered electrolite drinks such as Gatorade
 Individual condiment packets: sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, catsup, relish etc.
 Individual packets weigh less than bottles and are easier to keep sanitary

 Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

 Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
 Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
 Choose foods your family will eat.
o Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
o Protein or fruit bars
o Dry cereal or granola
o Peanut butter
o Dried fruit
o Nuts
o Crackers
o Canned juices
o Non-perishable pasteurized milk
o High energy foods
o Vitamins
o Food for infants
o Comfort/stress foods

Special Needs –
 foods for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets.
 If you must heat food, pack a couple of cans of sterno and a cigarette lighter. Cigarette lighters are
better than matches because they last longer and will work in wetter and windier conditions.
Kitchen Utensils -
 Small non-electric can opener
 Knife
 Large spoon
 2-3 Covered plastic bowls that can be used to mix and store tuna and other food
 1 Bowl (more versatile than a plate), a non-breakable cup, knife, fork and spoon (per person)
 Plastic resealable bags
Emergency Food Safety -
 What to do if your electricity goes off:
 First, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator
 Next, use the foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post
a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice
crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days.
 Finally, begin to use nonperishable foods and staples
 Remember to store nonperishable foods for your pets

- Prevent illness from FOOD -

 Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat -
 Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water
 Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened, or damaged
 Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture
 Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above
40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 2 hours or more
 Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degree F or below can be refrozen or cooked
 If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip
them in a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Relabel the cans with a marker
 Alternate cooking sources –
 Store barbecue, charcoal, starter, and matches for cooking in case utilities are out of service.
 Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning -
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by many types of equipment
and is poisonous to breathe. Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other
gasoline or charcoal burning device indoors. Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached
to your house, even if you leave the door open. Don't heat your house with a gas oven. Buy a
carbon monoxide detector and if the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call
911 Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include feeling dizzy, light-headed or being
nauseated

Communication Needs
 Cell Phones,
 battery powered radios and
 extra batteries, as well as
 important family documents should be easily accessible for your kit, stored in waterproof containers.

Safety
 Whistle
 First Aid Kit
 Dust Masks
 Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities.
 Basic Tool Kit including flashlights.
 Bleach can be used to disinfect and clean in emergency situations. Make sure the bleach is chlorine
bleach, and not oxygen or colour safe bleach. Take special care when storing bleach.

Health
 Moist Towelettes
 Trash Bags
 Medicine
  Medicine Droppers
Individual Needs
 Feminine Hygiene
 Diapers
 Personal Hygiene Items
 Health Needs
 Pet Items
Other Items to Consider:
 First Aid Manual
 Rain Gear
 Cold Weather Gear
 Disposable plates, cup, utensils
 Paper Towels
 Fire Extinguisher
 Tents
 Compass
 Matches (store in waterproof container)
 Flare Signals
 Paper and Pencil
 Changes of Clothing
 Bedding or Sleep Bags
 Heavy Duty Shoes
First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit should be in a central location and should include emergency instructions
 20 sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
 10-20 sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
 5 sterile roller bandages in assorted sizes
 2-3 Triangular bandages
 2-3 Tongue depressor blades
 10-20 Antiseptic packets
 Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
 Cleansing agent/soap
 10-20 Moistened towelettes
 2 pairs Latex gloves
 Assorted sizes of safety pins
 2-4 chapsticks
 Sunscreen
 Bug spray
 Foot powder
 Scissors
 Tweezers
 Needle.
 Thermometer [non-breakable version preferable]
 Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
 Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
 Burn ointment to prevent infection.
 Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
 Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You
should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

Nonprescription Drugs -
 Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
 Antidiarrhea medication
 Antacid (for stomach upset)
 Antihistamine
 Roll of throat lozenges
 Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center)
 Laxative
 Activated charcoal (use if advised by the poison control center)
 Vitamins
 Add any necessary prescription and nonprescription drugs
 Add special needs for infants, elderly persons, or anyone with serious allergies or for adults: with heart
and high blood pressure medication, insulin,
 prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid
batteries

Personal Hygiene Items -

 1-2 rolls of toilet paper per person
 1 roll paper towels
 20 individually wrapped towelettes or a container of wet wipes
 1-2 travel size bottles of liquid soap that can be used for dishes, clothes and personal use
  Feminine supplies
Clothing -
 Sturdy comfortable shoes suitable for walking through debris. These should already be broken in. Don't
wear new shoes that might cause blisters while breaking them in. A blister during a disaster can quickly
deteriorate and easily become infected and life threatening.
 Hat and gloves
 Thermal underwear
 Sunglasses
 One or more changes of clothes and extra pair of shoes
 Two or more extra socks to keep feet dry and healthy
 Sleeping Bag and Extra Blankets –
Pack a sleeping bag for each person with a sheet inside that can be easily washed Extra blankets and
clothing may be required to keep dry and warm
 Poncho - A Poncho is the most versatile protection against water and can be used for many purposes
including making a small lean-to tent, backpack or makeshift stretcher.

Tools
 Utility knife - box cutter
 Screwdriver - buy one that has both a Philips and flat head
 Pliers
 Crescent or pipe wrench - This will come in handy if you need to turn off gas and water valves for your
home or neighbors.
 Do not turn off your gas unless you smell a leak as it will take several weeks for the gas company to
come out and safely turn it back on.
 Small collapsible shovel to dig a latrine or other uses. These can be purchased at army surplus stores.
 10' 1/2" thick rope
 Trash bags and plastic sheeting
 Whistle
 Signal flare
 Cigarette lighter (more reliable than matches)
 Flint (learn how to use to make fire and practice)
 Map of the area
Cash and credit cards -
If possible always keep on hand $200 in small bills and change in a waterproof container. After some disasters
when electricity and communication lines are down merchants can't process credit cards and will only accept
cash. Banks won't be able to transfer funds nor check the balance on accounts so they will stay closed and you
won't be able to access the money you have in the bank.

Special Supplies -
 For baby: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications.
 For family: deck of cards, travel size checkers/chess
 garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)

 Waterproof Pouch or Container with Copies of All Important Documents and Maps –
It is important to keep important documents safe. If possible keep 'original' documents in a safe deposit box and
copies in a waterproof, fire-resistant portable container. These documents include:
 Will,
 insurance policies, contracts,
 deeds, stocks and bonds.
 Passports,
 SIN cards,
 immunization records,
 birth certificates
 marriage certificates.
 Bank account numbers.
 Credit card account numbers and companies.
 Inventory of valuable household goods and pictures.
 Put pictures on a CD rom and print out copies.
 Important telephone numbers of relatives and friends and
 credit card and insurance companies etc.
 Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
 Maps - local, state, national
 Portable Emergency Disaster Kit

Containers –
 It is best to keep survival items in small easy to carry containers.
 For a family of four instead of packing everything into one large new covered plastic trash can, it is
better to pack items in four backpacks. This makes it so if one pack is destroyed there are still three
other packs of supplies. This will prevent losing everything if the one trash can is destroyed by falling
debris, water or fire.
 Packing items in backpacks also makes it easier to move quickly and each person has their own
supplies in case the group members become separated.
 Another option might be covered plastic storage bins that are small and light enough to be easily
carried. Be sure to prepare disaster survival kits for both home and car.

- Important items: -
 Cell phone and extra batteries
 Flashlight and Portable Radio with extra batteries
 Fire extinguisher
 First aid kit
 Personal hygiene items
 Food and water for one week
 Kitchen utensils
 Clothes
 Poncho
 Sleeping bag and extra blankets
 Tools
 Cash and credit cards
 Portable file box with copies of all important documents and maps
 Keep a comfortable pair of socks and shoes by your bed. In the dark after an earthquake or storm you
don't want to be wandering around a room of broken glass in your bare feet.

 Cell phone and extra batteries

If you don't have a cell phone there are pay as you go cell phones that can be purchased for
$29-49.
 Flashlight and Portable Radio
Flashlight and Portable Radio with extra batteries.
Keep flashlights in several locations. You don't want to be stumbling over several rooms of broken furniture
and debris to get to the flashlight.

Obtain hand crank models if possible. There are hand crank models available from survival stores that cost
about $20-40. It only takes a few hand cranks to power the flashlight or radio for several minutes.
 Fire extinguisher – Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires and should be easily
accessible