November 08, 2011
As described on the cover article here is the more detailed list for you to consider when putting together your Home Disaster Supplies.
To start with get a sturdy container. A garbage can is good. Make sure it’s clean; new is preferrable. It should be weatherproofed with a lid that snaps shut. Wheels are an awesome option to make sure you can move it around when needed. Next…........
Food and Water:
- At least 3 gallons of water for each household member; to be safe a little more for children, infants and the ill
- 3-day supply of food, to include:
>Canned fruit & vegetables
> Canned meat & soups
> Peanut butter & jelly (Almond butter more healthy, but more expensive)
> Energy bars & any meat jerky (beef, turkey, pepperoni, etc.)
> Crackers, cookies & cereals (Honey Nut Cheerios is the bomb!)
> Nuts & dried fruit (make your own to keep the costs down)
> Dry milk and canned juices
- Manual can opener (a must)
- Things to serve & eat with (think camping)
Personal Health & Safety
- First aid kit (put one together, it’s cheaper) & a handbook
- Whistle
- Change of clothes (at least underwear and socks…...Believe me, it makes a difference)
- Warm jacket
- Gloves (comfy and warm)
- Sturdy shoes (waterproofed expensive, but will keep you moving in the worst of times, especially if lots of water
around)
- Hat (for sun); Knitted cap (for cold)
- Blanket or sleeping bag (remember mylar blankets only good when your body’s generating its own heat)
- Toothbrush (toothpaste also good, but can use baking soda)
- Towel and washcloth (definitely optional but good)
- Soap, shampoo & comb
- Feminine products
- Medications & medical supplies
- Contact lens case and solutions (take them out; use your glasses; have extra pair)
- Eye drops
- Hearing aid and extra batteries
Sanitation
- Household bleach (unscented)
- Eye dropper
- Hand sanitizer (waterless)
- Garbage bags (heavy duty)
- 5 gallon plastic bucket with lid
- Toilet paper (believe me, this becomes like gold)
Communications
- Battery-powered commercial radio (solar or crank-style recommended)
- Permanent marker
- paper & pen
- local map
- Extra keys (home & vehicle)
- Cash to stash (small bills)
- Important paper/pictures (e.g., driver’s license, insurance cards, etc.)
Tools & Cleanup
- Flashlights (battery-less, shakeable kind recommended)
- Extra batteries for everything you store that uses them and the right size
- Dust mask
- Goggles
- Adjustable wrench
- Hammer and nails
- Duct tape (lots and lots of it)
- Plastic sheeting or tarp (make sure it is of the heaviest material)
- Crowbar
- Bungee cord
- Disposable camera
Don’t forget the baby food or formula if you happen to have little ones. Diapers and baby wipes also critical. And your pets’ ‘must-have’ supplies are critical (Anyone heard of DART. Topic for another article).
Sources of water
- Drinkable
> Fill up the tub, as soon as possible
> Water heater (sorry waterless, on-demand tanks good for efficiency; bad as water source back-up)
> Anything you could fill up before your water source quits (clean containers, of course)
- Non-Drinkable (toiletry needs)
> Swimming pool
> Hot tub
> Water from the toilet tank (NOT THE BOWL, GOT THAT!!!)
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