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Disaster Supply Kit
Having a disaster supply kit is essential to making it through a disaster safely. Make sure to have supplies on hand to last each person at least three days. Download a printable Emergency Supplies List (PDF) from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to help you get ready for emergencies.
Essentials
- Battery-operated radio
- Flashlight Extra batteries
Do not include candles, which cause more fires after a disaster than anything else.
Water
- 3 gallons/person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container
- Additional water for sanitation
Food
Minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water.
- Canned fruits
- Canned juice
- Canned vegetables
- Dry cereal
- Peanut butter
- Quick energy snacks, graham crackers
- Ready-to-eat canned meals
- Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated)
First Aid Kit
(one for your home and one for each car)
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4 to 6)
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4 to 6)
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Moistened towelettes
- Needle
- Scissors
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Sunday screen
- Thermometer
- Tongue depressor (2)
- Triangular bandages
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Tweezers
Non-Prescription Drugs
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Laxative
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Tools & Supplies
- Aluminum foil
- Assorted nails, wood screws
- Cash or traveler's checks, change
- Compass
- Crowbar
- Heavy cotton or hemp rope
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Medicine dropper
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Needles, thread
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife
- Paper and pencil
- Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tire
- Plastic sheeting
- Plastic storage containers
- Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household water
- Signal flare
- Tape, duct, and plumber's tape or strap iron
- Whistle
Sanitation
- Disinfectant Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Household chlorine bleach
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
Clothing & Bedding
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hat and gloves
- One complete change of clothing and footwear per person
- Rain gear
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Sunglasses
- Thermal underwear
For Baby
- Bottles
- Diapers
- Formula
- Medication
- Powdered milk/soy milk
For Pets
- Food
- Record of vaccinations
- Leash, harness, or carrier
- Non-tippable food and water containers
Important Family Documents
- Copy of passports, social security card, immunization records
- Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, and bonds
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Important telephone numbers
- Inventory of valuable household goods
- Record of bank account numbers
- Record of credit card account numbers and companies
Family Medical Needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Denture needs
- Extra eye glasses
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
- Insulin
- Prescription drugs
Entertainment
- Games and books
(This list courtesy of The American Red Cross)