There are six basics you should stock in your home:
Water
How Much Water do I Need?
You should have at least a three-day supply of water and you should
store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.
Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:
Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
A medical emergency might require additional water.
How Should I Store Water?
To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water,
it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water.
Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it
until you need to use it.
Observe the expiration or “use by” date.
If You are Preparing Your Own Containers of Water
It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus
or camping supplies stores to use for water storage.
Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water,
and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.
Follow directions below on filling
the container with water.
If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic
soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs
or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them.
Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately
removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial
growth when water is stored in them.
Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids.
Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps
Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse
completely so there is no residual soap.
Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented
liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water.
Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces.
After sanitizing the bottle,thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.
Filling Water Containers
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been
commercially treated from a water
utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to
keep it clean. If the water you are using
comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two
drops of non-scented liquid household
chlorine bleach to the water.Tightly close the container using the original cap.
Be careful not to contaminate the
cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of
the container so that you know when
you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.Replace the water every six months
if not using commercially bottled water.

Food
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. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
*Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
Staples--sugar, salt, pepper
High energy foods--peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
Vitamins
Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
Comfort/stress foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Triangular bandages (3)
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Latex gloves (2 pair)
Sunscreen
Non-prescription drugs
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Clothing and Bedding
If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth.
It is possible that you will not have heat.
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Jacket or coat
Long pants
Long sleeve shirt
Sturdy shoes or work boots
Hat, gloves and scarf
Rain gear
Thermal underwear
Blankets or sleeping bags
Sunglasses
Sanitiation
Toilet paper
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach

Tools
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

DISASTER PLANNING