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Thursday, Jun. 11, 2009

Supply checklist

Experts suggest having three emergency kits: one at home, a small one at work and a few basic supplies in the car. Pick up a few items on the list every time you go shopping.

Food, water

One gallon of water per person per day (Try to store a week’s supply.

Do not use milk jugs; 2-liter soda bottles can be used if they are thoroughly cleaned and filled to the top.)

A backcountry water-filtering device or a bottle of unscented liquid chlorine bleach to purify water (16 drops per gallon or eight drops per 2-liter bottle right before you use it, NOT before you store it)

Nonperishable food

Can opener

Pet food

First aid, hygiene

First-aid handbook

Bandages in a variety of sizes, gauze, bandaging tape, surgical gloves

Portable supply of prescription drugs and copies of prescriptions

Backup of special supplies you regularly use, such as oxygen tanks or hearing-aid batteries

Moist towelettes

Toilet paper

Baby and feminine-hygiene items

Shelter, clothing

Camp stove and fuel (Never use them indoors.)

Sleeping bags or blankets

Sturdy shoes

Hat

Boy Scout Handbook for basic “how-to” instructions

Tools

Flashlight

Portable radio

Extra batteries

Multipurpose pocketknife

Crowbar

Handsaw Sledgehammer

Work gloves, goggles, dust masks

Rope

Plastic sheeting or tarps

Duct tape

Candles

Waterproof matches

Documents

Fire extinguisher with ABC rating (with instructions)

A loud whistle (one for each family member) to signal for help

Photocopies of credit cards, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, bank information and account numbers, other official identification

Upkeep

Store the items in plastic boxes that are waterproof and pest-proof. Stash emergency supplies near your front door or in your bedroom, somewhere you can easily grab them on your way out in an emergency.

Don’t keep supplies in the basement or other areas not easily accessible.

Replenish kits annually when you reset your clocks at daylight-saving time.

Toss outdated food and cans that are dented, rusty or swollen.

Restock as family’s needs change.