What’s in YOUR kit?

One of the easiest ways you can prepare for emergencies is to keep some supplies readily available. When preparing my kit I pretend I will be camping and not able to go out to buy anything. Every kit is unique and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your family, but below is a general list of supplies you may want to consider:

Tools and Supplies
(Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *)
• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual and a copy of your disaster plan, including your emergency contacts list
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
• Flashlight and extra batteries*
• Cash or traveler's checks, change*
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
• Fire extinguisher: small ABC type stored near where fires are likely to occur such as a kitchen, or near a fireplace. It should not be kept in the disaster supplies kit.
• Tube tent
• Duct Tape*
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil*
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench or pliers, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle*
• Plastic sheeting*
• Map of the area (for locating shelters and evacuation routes)