The First 72 is on You
Once a disaster hits, you won’t have time to shop for supplies, so prepare your supply kit in advance and make sure everyone knows where it’s kept. FEMA recommends having enough emergency supplies to last 72 hours (3 days). Items can be assembled over time, but check every six months for things that need to be replaced. And remember, with power out, services – like ATMs and gas pumps – may be down. Have cash on hand and fill your vehicle(s) with gas before an impending storm.
Essentials
- Battery-operated radio, rechargeable
- Flashlights and/or solar lights that can be charged during the day
- Extra batteries, various sizes; replace batteries according to expiration dates (check at least every six months)
- Do not include candles, which can cause fires
- Cell phone and charger
- Power inverter to use car battery as a backup charger
- Scissors and utility knife
- Plastic sheeting or tarp (in case tree/wind damages roof)
- Signal flare
- Plastic storage containers
- Heavy cotton or hemp rope
- Patch kit and can of sealant for tires
- Jumper cables
- Duct tape, plumber’s tape or strap-iron
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Assorted tools (wrench, pliers, hammer)
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Plastic garbage bags and zip lock bags
Food
- Minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day, in a food-grade plastic container (three-day supply)
- Additional water for sanitation
- Minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration, no preparation and little or no water
- Store food in a cool, dry place and away from oven or refrigerator exhausts (exhaust heat may cause food to spoil more quickly)
- Utensils, including non-electric can opener 6
- Aluminum foil
Medical Needs
- Prescription drugs, including diabetic supplies
- OTC medications, including pain killers, antacids and burn ointment
- Tube of petroleum jelly or some other lubricant
- First Aid kit
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Latex gloves (two pairs)
- Medicine dropper
- Disinfectant
- Stop the Bleed Kit
- Contact lenses and supplies
Personal Items
- Car and house keys
- Sunscreen and aloe
- Bug spray
- Moistened towelettes/baby wipes
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Paper, pencil or pen
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Personal hygiene items
- Toilet paper, paper towels
- Sunglasses
- Hat and gloves
- Rain gear
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Thermal underwear
- One complete change of clothing/footwear per person
- Baby supplies
- Pet supplies
- Games and books
- Face coverings – cloth or disposable masks
- Rescue Whistle
Important Documents
- Cash or travelers checks, change
- Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Prepare your Finances
- Passport, social security cards and copy of immunization records
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Record of credit card account numbers
- Inventory of valuable household goods
- Important telephone numbers
- Keep originals in a waterproof container, and take pictures of important documents with your phone. Some may be required 7 for FEMA assistance.
Click here to visit PWC’s Storm Central Page and Storm Prep Guide
