The first 72 hours after a major emergency or
disaster are critical. Electricity, gas, water, and telephones may not
be working. In addition, public safety services such as police and fire
departments will be busy handling serious crises. You should be prepared
to be self-sufficient — able to live without running water,
electricity and/or gas, and telephones — for at least three days
following a major emergency. To do so, keep on hand in a central
location the following
Essentials
q Water — 1 gallon per person per day (a week's supply
of water is preferable) q Water purification kit q First aid kit, freshly stocked q First aid book q Food q Can opener (non-electric) q Blankets or sleeping bags q Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries q Essential medications q Extra pair of eyeglasses q Extra pair of house and car keys q Fire extinguisher — A-B-C type q Food, water and restraint (leash or carrier) for pets q Cash and change q Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap and baby
powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food
and juices.
Sanitation
Supplies
q Large plastic trash bags for waste; tarps and rain
ponchos q Large trash cans q Bar soap and liquid detergent q Shampoo q Toothpaste and toothbrushes q Feminine hygiene supplies q Toilet paper q Household bleach
Safety
and Comfort
q Sturdy shoes q Heavy gloves for clearing debris q Flashlight q Light sticks q Change of clothing q Knife or razor blades q Garden hose for siphoning and firefighting q Tent q Communication kit: paper, pens, stamps
Cooking
q Plastic knives, forks, spoons q Paper plates and cups q Paper towels q Heavy-duty aluminum foil q Camping stove for outdoor cooking (caution: before
using fire to indoors).
Tools and
Supplies
q Axe,
shovel, broom q Adjustable
wrench for turning off gas q Tool
kit including a screwdriver, pliers and a hammer q Coil
of ½ " rope q Plastic
tape, staple gun and sheeting for window replacement q Bicycle q City
map
Useful Web
Links
Additional emergency preparedness information can be
found at the following addresses:
