Often during an emergency, electricity, water,heat, air conditioning or telephone service may not work. All Nevadans shouldhave some basic supplies on hand in order for a family to survive if anemergency occurs. The emergency supply kit should be robust and contain enoughfood, water, medications and other consumables to last up to seven to ten days.Following is a list of basic items (based on a family of four to survive forseven to ten days) that every emergency supply kit should include.Check your family emergency stockpiles, changebatteries in radios and flashlights, replace or rotate food items in the kit,update any family information medications, address the special needs of thefamily, emergency contact information and identification cards for all members.
Anemergency preparedness kit is a first step to ensure families and businessescan sustain themselves in the event of illness outbreaks or natural disasterslike severe winter storms, earthquakes, fires, and floods. Family emergencysupplies can be contained in new, large trashcans, backpacks or suitcases andcan be assembled over several months by adding just one or two items to agrocery list. Kits should include food, water, a first aid kit, tools, copiesof important documents, clothing and bedding, medications, and pet supplies.
Basic Disaster Supply Kit
To assemble your kit,store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kitin one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the followingrecommended items:
- Water-one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food- a supply of non-perishable foodto last for several days
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit- Firstaid manual, assortment of sterile gauze pads and adhesive bandages, medicaltape, ace bandage, CPR mask, Quik Clot, over-the-counter drugs (aspirin, antidiarrhealmedications, and activated charcoal), antiseptic ointment, soap, nitrilegloves, SAM splint, oropharyngeal airways set, thermometer, tweezers andneedles, and tongue depressors.
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape toshelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers toturn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Download theRecommended Supplies List
Health and Hygiene Supplies
- Prescription medication - at least one week's supply.
- Toilet paper and Paper towels.
- Medical equipment
- Pre-moistened hand wipes - pre-moistened baby wipes.
- Hand sanitizer
- Toiletries - toothpaste, deodorant, soap.
- Feminine hygiene supplies.
- A list of family physicians, important medical information, and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
Household Supplies and Equipment
- One gallon liquid chlorine bleach.
- Battery-powered radio or TV.
- Flashlights - one for each room of the house.
- Lantern LED
- Glow sticks
- Extra fresh batteries for radio, TV, lantern and flashlights.
- Whistle
- Gasoline (if you plan to use a generator outdoors).
- Propane fuel (if you plan to use a grill or camp stove outdoors).
- Charcoal (if you plan to use a barbecue grill outdoors).
- Disposable tableware, including paper towels and napkins.
- Manual can opener, utensils and sterno for heating.
- Plastic bags - zip sealing, garbage.
- Fire extinguisher (small canister A-B-C type).
- Food thermometer - able to measure temperature from 0 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit
Tools
- Rope (for rescue, tow, tying down property)
- Shovel
- Hammer and nails
- Multi-Tool with pliers
- 4 in 1 Emergency Tool (with gas and water shut off)
- Reflective Vests
- Work gloves
- Eye Goggles
- Utility Tape; electrical tape
- Clean-up supplies
- Broom and Mop
- Buckets (5 gal min, with lids)
- N-95 particulate masks
- Disinfecting spray
- Paper towels, rags (to clean with)
- Rubber gloves, scrub brush, sponges
- Garbage bags with ties
Additional Emergency Supplies
- A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes for each family member. Sleeping bags, bedding or blankets for each family member.
- An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (be sure to check expiration dates).
- Pet's medication, leashes, collars, ID tags, blanket, bed, carrier, toys.
- Document Holder with identification, credit cards/traveler's checks/cash, and photocopies of important family documents including home insurance information.
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lense solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling yourkit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed. Set a calendar reminderevery six months around daylight savings time to:
- Keep cannedfoodin a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Supply Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not knowwhere you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work andvehicles.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle: Severe weather can move in quickly and strand motorists. The best preparation for severe winter weather including strong winds and heavy rain requires planning ahead. Almost everyone carries a cell phone – keep it charged up. And at a minimum keep a blanket, radio, flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and a three to seven day supply of food and water in your vehicles. Don’t forget to tell friends or relatives that you’re travelling, what route you’re taking, and when you expect to arrive. This information could save your life if you get stuck.In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency suppliesin your car.
