Home Emergency Preparedness Kit
Home Emergency Preparedness Kit
This kit is meant to provide for the basic needs of an individual or family for up to 72 hours in the event of an emergency or disaster. The kit should include the following: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and supplies and special items. You can purchase a kit through the American Red Cross or put your own together.
Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Keep at least a three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person; 2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation) for each household member.
Supplies
Items should include the following: first aid kit, mess kit or paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, battery operated radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, non-electric can opener, fire extinguisher (ABC type), matches in a water-proof container and candles, toilet paper, soap, and other hygiene items, plastic garbage bags, whistle, and a tent if available.
Clothing and Bedding
Items should include the following: sleeping bags or blankets (some kits have solar blankets), hats and gloves, thermal underwear, rain gear and sturdy shoes, and changes of clothing.
Food
Store at least a three day supply of nonperishable food, which may include the following: ready-to-eat canned meat, fruits, vegetables, juices, soups, and dried milk; high energy foods such as peanut butter, trail mix, granola bars, and crackers; foods for infants, elderly, or other people on special diets; stress food such as cookies, candy, and sweetened cereal; vitamins and staples (sugar, salt, pepper).
Tool Box
Items should include the following: a utility knife, a shut-off wrench to turn off household water and gas, plies, crow bard, hammer, strong nylon cord, duct tape, signal flare, and axe.
Special Items
Medication, family records, entertainment material, pet supplies, and a Survival Guide (recommend Tom Brown’s Field Guide to City and Suburban Survival).
Storing Your Kit
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Gather items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. The American Red Cross carries both a Home Emergency Preparedness Kit and a Winter Survival Kit for your vehicle.
Meet with your family
• Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
• Explain how to be prepared and how to respond.
• Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate or if you are quarantined to home.
• Practice what you have discussed.
Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated during a disaster. Pick two meeting places: a location a safe distance from home in case of fire, and a place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Choose an out-of-area friend or relative as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call if separated. It is often easier to make phone contact outside the affected area. Family members can call this contact person to find out your meeting location.
Information from:
The Pueblo Chieftain
The American Red Cross
Pueblo City-County Health Department
National Traffic and Road Closure Information
Safe Travel U.S.A. ~ Road And Travel Conditions Across The NAtion
State Transportation Web Sites
U.S. Department of Transportation Safety First
FEMA
CDC
The Cooking Inn
