Office of Work-Life Programs -
Family Readiness Program
Emergency Kit Tips and Checklists
Printer Friendly Kit Checklist
When disaster strikes, emergency responders - including Coast Guard
personnel - address the most critical needs. While they work on behalf of
the entire community, their families may be coping with the same or
different emergencies at home. It is your responsibility to ensure your
family’s well-being during times of crisis. Emergency kits are an essential
tool for meeting that challenge.
To prepare your family for an emergency, get one or more emergency kits that
include enough supplies for at least three days. Keep a kit prepared at
home. Every family member should know where it is and be able to access it
easily. Consider having kits in your car and at work. These kits will enable
you and your family to respond to an emergency more quickly and will be
useful whether you have to evacuate or shelter in place.
Here are some basic items to consider for a home emergency kit:
- Water - at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days
- Food - nonperishable food for at least three days
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit with dust masks, disinfectant, and prescription
medications
- Sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes, disinfectant, and
garbage bags
- Formula and diapers for any infants
- Flashlight and extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio and cell
phone charger
- Important documents - personal, financial, and insurance
- Maps and your family emergency plan
- Food, water, other supplies, and documents for any pets
In the event of an influenza pandemic, some extra precautions are in order:
- Water, food, and prescription medicine supplies to cover two weeks
- Hand wash with 60% - 95% alcohol content
- Thermometer
- Medicines for fever and diarrhea
- Fluids with electrolytes
- Facemasks
Many other items could prove helpful:
- Fire extinguisher
- Any tools needed to turn off utilities
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Paper plates, paper cups, plastic utensils, paper towels
- Coats and rain gear
- Sleeping bags or other bedding
- A weather-appropriate change of clothes for each person
- Books, games, puzzles, toys, and other activities for children
Additional items can be essential for those deployed or stationed
abroad:
- Passports
- Birth abroad certificate for children born overseas
- Cash in local currency
- Card with local translations of basic terms
Emergency kits should be evaluated regularly to ensure they will provide
your family with basic needs during the emergency situations. Remember
to update supplies periodically as medications and food expire.
The Ready Campaign website (www.ready.gov) also provides thorough
checklists for emergency supply kits, as well as facts sheets about
planning for children, pets, and other special needs. |
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