How to Lead your Family in the Event of a Disaster

Build a kit. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days/weeks. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days/weeks/months. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below.

Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

An emergency supply kit could include the following items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)

• Food (at least a three-week supply of non-perishable food)

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Whistle or air horn (to signal for help)

• Dust mask

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

• Moist disinfecting wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

• Manual can opener

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

• Prescription medications

• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

• Anti-bacterial soap

• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

• Pet food and extra water for your pet

• Cash or items for bartering

• 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

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches, flint or butane lighter

• 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

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing the questions below with your family.

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

• What is my shelter plan?

• What is my evacuation route?

• What is my family/household communication plan?

• Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household

• Responsibilities for assisting others

• Locations frequented

• Dietary needs

• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment

• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment

• Languages spoken

• Cultural and religious considerations

• Pets or service animals

• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Practice your plan with your household.