Building Your Disaster Kit

Your family emergency supply kit will include a number of items.  Here is a list of things you should include:

Water:  Store water in plastic containers.  You will need one gallon of water per person, per day.  (2 quarts for drinking, and 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation.)  Keep at least a 3-day supply, and change your supply every 90 days.

Food:  Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food.  You'll want items that require no refrigeration, little preparation and little or no water.  Good things to include are 

• canned goods (meats, vegetables and fruits)

• canned juices, milk and soup; 

• high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, trail mix, and crackers

• comfort foods like cookies, hard candy, cereal, instant coffee and tea bags

Clothing & Bedding:  Plan for one complete change of clothing and footwear for each person in your household.  Other necessities include:

• sturdy shoes or work boots

• rain gear

• blankets and sleeping bags

• hat and gloves

• thermal underwear

Tools & Supplies:  Keeping tools and other supplies together will come in handy during an emergency. These items should be included:

• battery operated tv or radio

• extra batteries

• flashlight and batteries

• cash or traveler's checks and change

• cellular phone

• non-electric can opener

• utility knife

• matches in a waterproof container

• pliers and a shut-off wrench for utilities

• tape, paper and pencil

• paper or plastic eating utensils

• plastic sheeting

• needle and thread

• toilet paper

• soap and liquid detergent

• personal hygiene items

First Aid Kit:  In case of minor injuries, a good first aid kit should include:

• sterile adhesive bandages

• 2" sterile gauze pads (4 to 6)

• 4" sterile gauze pads (4 to 6)

• adhesive tape

• triangular bandages (3)

• 2" sterile roller bandages (3)

• 3" sterile roller bandages (4)

• scissors, tweezers, needles and safety pins

• moist towelettes

• antiseptic spray

• thermometer

• petroleum jelly

• sunscreen

• latex gloves (2 pair)

For more information:

Call Sedgwick County Emergency Management, (316) 660-5959