Disaster Supplies Kit

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

Being Prepared

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Disaster Supplies Calendar 

The Family Disaster Supplies Calendar (PDF) is intended to help you prepare for disasters before they happen. Using the calendar, your family can assemble an emergency kit in small steps over a six month period. Check off each week as you gather the contents. Supplies may be stored all together in a large plastic garbage can or food may be kept on kitchen shelves. Remember to rotate your perishable supplies and change water every six months.

Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit should include:

  1. Food
  2. Water
  3. First Aid Kit
  4. Basic Supplies

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.Emergency Food Supply

Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

  • Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
  • Comfort/stress foods
  • Cookies
  • Hard candy
  • Instant coffee
  • Lollipops
  • Sweetened cereals
  • Tea bags
  • Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
  • High energy foods
  • Crackers
  • Granola bars
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Trail mix
  • Staples - sugar, salt and pepper
  • Vitamins
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables