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Survival kit: Stock up on essentials for a disaster
By Mayo Clinic staffIn a disaster or during a health emergency such as a flu pandemic, keep in mind that neighborhood grocery stores and gas stations may run out of supplies. Essential services such as electricity, telephone and health care may be disrupted or shut down. Be prepared by assembling a survival kit to get you through these tough times.
You should have supplies to last everyone in your household — including pets — at least two weeks. Store supplies in a cool, dry place in easy-to-carry containers in case there's a need to evacuate. Check and replace any supplies past their expiration dates. Adapt this supply list to suit your specific needs.
| SURVIVAL KIT CHECKLIST | |
|---|---|
| Water | |
| Plan on 1 gallon per person per day, for drinking and for sanitation. | |
| Food | |
| Select foods that require no refrigeration, have a long shelf life, and require little or no water to prepare. This may include ready-to-eat canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit and crackers. | |
| Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils | |
| Hygiene and sanitation | |
| N95 respiratory masks or comparable make | |
| Moist towelettes | |
| Alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer | |
| Toothpaste and toothbrush | |
| Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels | |
| Garbage bags, heavy duty, and ties | |
| Prescribed medications | |
| Store at least a one-month supply. | |
| First-aid kit | |
| First-aid book | |
| Rubber gloves | |
| Cleansing agent (soap or towelettes) | |
| Antibiotic ointment and burn ointment | |
| Cold packs | |
| Adhesive bandages, cotton balls and swabs | |
| Sterile dressing, tape and elastic wrap | |
| Thermometer | |
| Tweezers, sharp scissors, spoon | |
| Eyewash solution | |
| Medication for fever and pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen | |
| Anti-diarrheal medication | |
| Antihistamines | |
| Tools | |
| Manual can opener | |
| Eating utensils | |
| Flashlight | |
| Light sticks | |
| Radio, battery powered | |
| Batteries | |
| Matches, in waterproof container | |
| Duct tape | |
| Knife | |
| Wrench or pliers | |
| Additional items | |
| Cash and coins | |
| Special needs such as inhalers, contact lenses, extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries | |
| Copies of credit cards, bank numbers, important documents, medical prescriptions, driver's licenses and passports | |
| Keys, extra sets | |
| Feminine hygiene supplies | |
| Infant supplies | |
| Recreational materials | |
| Food and supplies for pets | |
| Writing supplies | |
| Items for evacuation | |
| Blankets or sleeping bags | |
| Change of clothing and footwear | |
| Bathing supplies | |
| Raincoat | |
| Local maps | |
- Emergency supply list. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdf. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- Are you ready guide. Federal Emergency Management Agency. http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/index.shtm. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
