• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
• Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

• 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.
• Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Avoid salty foods, as they will make you thirsty.
• Choose foods your family will eat.
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Burn ointment to prevent infection.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for upset stomach)
• Laxative

• Prescription glasses
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Cell phone
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Additional blankets
• Complete change of clothing, including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

There may be situations when evacuation is either inappropriate or impossible. In this case you may be asked to stay where you are or "shelter-in-place." This could be as simple as remaining at home while officials clear hazards from a nearby area, or it could require more active measures during emergencies involving contaminated air.

When officials advise you to shelter in place, act quickly and follow instructions. Your main objective should be to get to a safe indoor location. You will likely be in your "safe room" for no more than a few hours. Identify a room with few doors or windows before an incident occurs. Once inside:

• If there is time, close and lock all windows and doors, close fireplace dampers.
• Turn off heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
• Make sure you have your Household Emergency Kit.
• Tune in to local radio or TV stations to receive updates from emergency officials.
• Only seal doors and windows when instructed to do so by emergency officials.
• If your children are at school, do not pick them up until the danger has passed and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. School officials have shelter-in-place procedures. You will only endanger yourself by leaving a safe area during the emergency.

A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and put an I.D. tag on each one. You may not be at home when an emergency takes place so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work. Consider what you would need for your immediate safety.

• Flashlight with batteries
• Battery operated radio
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Pocket knife
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
• Local map
• Some water and food
• Permanent marker, paper and tape
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• A copy of your Household Communications Plan
• List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Prescription medications and first aid supplies
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Any special-needs items for infants, older Americans, or people with disabilities
• A Go-Bag for your pet

There may be times during an emergency when you decide to leave or when you are ordered to do so by emergency officials. Beyond ensuring you have a Household Communications Plan you should also do the following:

• Try to keep the gas tank in your car half full at all times.
• If you do not have a car, plan in advance how you will leave.
• Take your Go-Bag with you.
• Take your pets with you.
• Lock the door behind you.