Disaster Kit Instructions

Today I'm posting instructions for putting together your 72 hour disaster kit (maybe 96 hour to be more realistic). Any all of that is explained below. This is a nice concise fact sheet discussing the basics of your family disaster kit. As with the previous Hurricane Preparation fact sheet, the original, along with others, can be found at www.MyDisasterPlan.com

Disaster Kit Fact Sheet

Conventional wisdom tells us that in the event of a natural disaster, we should have emergency supplies on hand sufficient to sustain us for 72 hours (three days) without assistance. Recent events have shown that’s some disasters may be of a scope that stretch that time frame given the intensity of the disaster and the ability of government agencies to respond.

This Fact Sheet will help you assemble a 72-hour disaster kit. Understand that by increasing quantities of food, water, medications, diapers and clothes (or ability to wash them) in your kit, you can extend your window of survival.

Our increasing dependence on existing infrastructure for delivery of our food, water, power and transportation needs has left us far more vulnerable to any breakdown in that system. In the “old days” local farmers and community gardens could provide for regional needs even if there was a sizable disaster. In modern times the fragility of our intricate infrastructure is considerable, and is an important reason to ensure that you have a complete Disaster Kit ready at all times.

The items you need to assemble for this disaster kit can be broken down into several broad categories.

Water
Food
First aid
Drugs
Supplies & Tools
Sanitation
Clothing / Bedding
Entertainment
Documents
Special populations (children, elderly, pets)


Don’t let the task of putting together a Disaster Kit seem daunting. Many of the necessary items can generally be found around your house already or added to next week’s shopping list. You might also consider buying a pre-made 72-hour disaster kit, and then adding additional items that you need to make it better for your specific situation.

Water:

Store at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. In hot or arid climates, or if you intend to bathe or wash clothes, you will need additional water. The generally accepted formula allows 2 quarts per person per day for drinking, and an additional 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation. This is adequate for survival…not necessarily adequate for living comfortably. This not an item you’ll want to skimp on storing.

You may increase your available water by having the ability to filter and purify water. Those of you who are hikers and campers are familiar with these methods. You can buy small handheld water filters or purifiers that, along with disinfectant tablets, can turn questionable water into drinking water. With these methods, collected rainwater becomes a great source of additional water to extend your survival window.

Water should be stored in plastic containers that are designed for food or drink storage. Do NOT use plastic containers that used to hold chemicals no matter how thoroughly you wash them. You can even find 55 gallon barrels for emergency water storage.

Be sure to refresh your supply at least every six months to prevent having “stale” water after an emergency.

Food:

For a 72-hour disaster kit you need to store three days worth of food for each person you intend to support.

Select foods that do not require refrigeration, require little or no preparation, and little or no water.

Foods should be nutrient dense, not just sugary calories. You should also have a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Here are some good choices:

Meats (canned or in a pouch like tuna)
Juices (canned)
Salt, sugar, spices, pepper, etc (small kits available at camping stores)
Dried fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds
Meals-ready-to-eat (MRE’s) or camping food
Granola or protein bars
Electrolyte replacement powders for water (like Gatorade, Emergen-C, etc.) These supply needed minerals, and can make purified water a little more palatable
Multivitamin / multi-mineral tablets
Make sure you have adequate utensils, can openers, cups, bowls, plates, etc.



First Aid:

You should have a first aid kit in your home, and in each car you drive. You should also consider having a small kit at your office or school.

What you choose to put in your first aid kit will depend on your knowledge and skill level in first aid, but this a list of some basics (increase amounts for groups of more than 4 people):

25 adhesive bandages in various shapes & sizes
10 sterile 4x4” dressings
2 triangle bandages
2 roller gauze
2 rolls cloth medical tape
10 germicidal hand wipes or a bottle of hand sanitizer
6 antiseptic wipes
10 pair non-latex, non sterile medical gloves
2 chemical cold packs
Scissors (trauma shears)
Tweezers (tick tweezers as well)
CPR breathing barrier (plastic barrier for administering CPR)

Medications (non-prescription)
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Laxative
Activated charcoal (for use upon instruction by poison control)
KI (potassium iodide – optional for radiation protection)

It is generally recommended that the first aid kit be a separate kit within the disaster kit so it can be removed and used remotely with ease.


Medications:

Make sure that you have an adequate supply of your prescription medications, vitamins and herbs, contact lens solution, glucometer supplies, etc.


Supplies and Tools:

Battery-operated or hand-crank radio, and/or a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Assn.)emergency weather radio
Battery-operated or hand-crank flashlights (more than one)
Manual can opener
Pliers
Duct tape
Pocket knife or multi-tool
Shut-off wrench for gas and water
Compass
Whistle
Matches (in waterproof container)
Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
Plastic sheeting (tarps)
Cash (small bills, $50 to $200+)
Aluminum foil
Signal mirror
Signal flare (optional)
Paper & pen or pencil
Emergency sewing kit (small)
Plastic storage containers
Local map
Hammer and roofing nails


Sanitation:

Toilet paper and wet-wipes
Soap and liquid detergent
Plastic garbage bags and ties
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene supplies
Plastic bucket with a tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach


Clothing / Bedding:

One complete change of clothing and footwear per person
Sturdy shoes or work boots
Rain gear
Sunglasses
Hot or cold weather items as appropriate
Blankets or sleeping bags
Extra socks, underwear, and tee shirts
Camp towels (small, light and very absorbent)


Entertainment:

Simple games for children and adults can help pass the time. Remember that without electricity the regular distractions like television, DVD’s and video games are unavailable. Low tech games and activities are a must to keep children occupied and parents sane.

Documents:

Every agency that makes suggestions for disaster preparedness states that in one form or another, a home inventory, and copies of all of your important documents should be part of your overall Family Disaster Plan, and your Disaster Kit.

Your MyDisasterPlan.com account allows you to easily upload and store these and many other important items onto our secure servers. You can retrieve them in report form at any time from any Internet connection in the world. Many people choose to download their reports as password protected PDF files saved on a flash drive, and placed in their Disaster Kit or “go bag”. Paper copies of these documents (not password protected like the PDF files) may pose a security risk if stored in a Disaster Kit.

Home Inventory:

Flash drive with MyDisasterPlan.com Home Inventory and other reports
Pictures of each room in your home
Pictures of rooms with closets and cabinets open
Pictures of appliances, cars, collectables, jewelry items, etc
Serial numbers of individual appliances and valuable items
Disposable camera to take pictures of damage
Update your MyDisasterPlan.com inventory on a regular basis
Store your inventory in a safe place (water tight and secure)

Important Documents:

Birth certificates
Marriage license
Will
Power of attorney (medical and financial)
Divorce/custody papers
Driver’s license
Professional license
Work related ID
Immigration papers



Special Populations:

Make sure you have appropriate supplies to meet the needs of any infants, elderly, and pets that you will need to care for during an emergency.

Infants will need formula, diapers, wipes, medications, smaller utensils, pacifiers, and small toys.

Elderly family members may need denture supplies, medications, canes, etc.

Pets require food, water, carriers or kennels, shot records, brush, and toys.