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Survival kit: Supplies for weathering a disaster
By Mayo Clinic staffDisaster preparedness may not be a fun topic, but it's a smart way to protect yourself and your family. In a disaster, essential services, such as electricity, telephone and health care, may be disrupted or shut down. Supermarkets, hardware stores and gas stations may run out of supplies. 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 — for at least three days. 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. For more information on disaster preparedness, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.
| Survival Kit Checklist | |
|---|---|
| Water | |
| At least 1 gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation | |
| Food | |
| Foods that require no refrigeration, have a long shelf life, and require little or no water to prepare, such as ready-to-eat canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit and crackers | |
| Paper plates and cups, eating utensils | |
| Hygiene and sanitation | |
| N95 respiratory masks or comparable make | |
| Moist towelettes | |
| Alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer | |
| Toothpaste and toothbrush | |
| Toilet paper and paper towels | |
| Garbage bags, heavy duty, and ties | |
| Prescribed medications and personal health information | |
| At least a one-month supply of prescription medications | |
| Personal health record on a flash drive or CD, or a written list of current health problems and medications | |
| Inhalers, diabetic supplies, contact lenses and saline solution, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, and other necessary health aids | |
| 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 | |
| Anti-diarrheal medication | |
| Antihistamines | |
| Tools | |
| Manual can opener | |
| Flashlight | |
| Light sticks | |
| Fire extinguisher | |
| Radio, battery powered | |
| Batteries | |
| Matches, in waterproof container | |
| Duct tape | |
| Knife | |
| Wrench or pliers | |
| Additional items | |
| Chlorine bleach and medicine dropper — bleach can be used to treat water and as a disinfectant | |
| Cash and coins | |
| Mobile phone and charger | |
| 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 Nov. 4, 2010.
- Are you ready? An in-depth guide to citizen preparedness. Federal Emergency Management Agency. http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/index.shtm. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Arrieta MI, et al. Providing continuity of care for chronic diseases in the aftermath of Katrina: From field experience to policy recommendations. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2009;3:174.
- First aid kit. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/firstaidkit.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
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