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
Graphic of emergency evacuation kit
Graphic of a disaster kit

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)