Basic Supplies and Survival Tips

Your family may be left on its own for several days following a major disaster. Here is a list of items and supplies which all households should keep stored in a portable container (a large trash can, duffle bag, backpack) in the event of evacuation or isolation.

Basics

• Water- One gallon per person per day.
• Bleach and an eye-dropper.
• Non-perishable food: canned or dried foods high in protein such as peanut butter or dried fruits.
• Manual can opener.
• Barbecue, camp stove, Sterno cans or other alternative method of cooking.
• Fuel for cooking, propane canisters, camp stove fuel, charcoal, etc.
• Plastic utensils, knives, forks, spoons paper plates, cups, towels.
• Heavy duty aluminum foil and plastic wrap.

Food Storage Tips

• Check your emergency food supply twice a year and replace or rotate supplies annually.
• Choose food that requires little or no preparation for cooking.
• Choose low salt foods that do not increase thirst.
• Choose meals that are easy to prepare.
• Choose food that comes in small cans or packages to facilitate storage.
• Eat one full square meal a day.

Water Storage and Purification Tips

• Boil water for 5-10 minutes. Strain through paper towels to remove floating particles.
• Or add 10 drops of household bleach solution per gallon of water. Shake well and let stand for 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste indicates the water is safe to drink.
• Or add 15 drops of household tincture of iodine in the same manner as bleach above.
• Or use commercial water purification tablets such as Halazone or Globaline. Follow package instructions.
• Store water in heavy plastic containers, preferably opaque type or soft water bottles. If you buy bottled water, check with the supplier to determine how long the water may be stored safely.
• Store water in a cool, dark location on lower shelves, secured to prevent container damage.
• Plan meals with those with special needs in mind. (elderly, infants, vegetarians, etc.)
• Include meals with five basic food groups.

Emergency Food Planning

The following is a complete sample menu. You may be isolated, or in a situation with no water or electricity. The following menu is based on the use of foods that require no cooking.

Breakfast

• Fruit or canned juice of some kind (orange, grapefruit, tomato-Vitamin C enriched)
• Ready-to-eat cereals or granola bars
• Whole wheat or enriched bread or crackers with jams, jellies, margarine, peanut butter, cheese or cheese spreads
• Milk: canned, evaporated or reconstituted powdered milk
• Instant coffee, tea or cocoa (if tap water is strong enough)
• Use evaporated milk or double-strength reconstituted dry milk as cream in tea or coffee

Lunch or Supper

• Cheese or peanut butter sandwiches
• Canned meat, fish or poultry
• Canned beans-baked beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, etc.
• Raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, etc.
• Fruits (canned or fresh peaches, apricots, pineapples, pears, etc.)
• Bread or Graham crackers.
• Cookies

Snacks

• Fruits, fresh canned, dried
• Juices
• Cheeses
• Cereals-ready-to-eat
• Nuts, seeds, raisins
• Crackers
• Cookies
• Raw vegetables
• Granola bars

Staples

• Canned protein food: Salmon, tuna, sardines, lunch meat, ham, beef, chicken
• Canned vegetables: green beans, beets, corn, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, peas
• Canned fruits: apple sauce, apricots, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, fruit cocktail, etc.
• Dried fruits, nuts and seeds: raisins, prunes, peanuts, assorted nuts, etc.
• Tea bags, instant coffee, coffee or cocoa, fruit juices
• Non-fat or low-fat milk; evaporated milk if used within one day after opening and kept at cool room temperature.
• Oatmeal cookies or crackers
• Peanut butter
• Ready-to-eat cereals
• Jelly, jams, preserves or honey
• Bread wrapped in its original wrapping
• Salt, pepper, sugar, ketchup or prepared mustard

Household Supplies

First Aid Kit

The following list of supplies is an Aideal@ first aid kit; design for your own needs.

• First aid book: know how to use
• Sterile adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch gauze pads
• Ace bandage
• Ammonia inhalant
• Hypoallergenic waterproof adhesive tape
• Muslin or cotton triangular bandages
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Or instead of bandages use extra absorbent sanitary napkins
• Elastic bandages and fasteners " Emergency Aspace@ blanket (1 per family member)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needles and thread
• Mirror
• Moistened towelettes
• Instant hot and cold packs
• Antiseptic lotion, cream or liquid
• Thermometer
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Anti-bacterial soap
• Sunscreen
• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Laxatives and activated charcoal in case of accidental poisoning

Survival

• Radio: portable, battery operated. spare battery
• Flashlight: fresh and spare batteries and bulbs
• Can opener
• Fire Extinguisher
• Watch or clock: battery or spring wound

Safety

• Heavy shoes: for every family member
• Heavy gloves: for each person clearing debris
• Candles: check for gas leaks before using
• Matches: dipped in wax and kept in weather proof container
• Knife: sharp or razor blades

Tools

• Axe, shovel
• Crescent wrench: for turning off gas
• Screw driver, pliers
• Hammer
• Coil of 2" rope
• Pencil, paper, scissors

Car Mini-Survival Kit

• Non-perishable food: store in empty coffee cans; phone money or calling card
• Bottled Water: one gallon per person per day
• First aid kit, blanket
• Flashlight, tools
• Whistle
• Walking shoes