This information is reproduced from the one found in the Ready.Illinois.gov brochure.
WATER
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
- A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water each day.
- Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount.
- Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day. (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation).
- Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.
FOOD
Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supply Kit
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits & vegetables.
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water).
- Staples such as sugar, salt, pepper.
- High-energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix.
- Vitamins
- Foods for infants, elderly person or persons with special diets.
- Comfort/stress food – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereal, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags.
FIRST-AID KIT
Assemble a kit for your home and one for each car.
A first-aid kit should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages (3)
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Scissors
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Needles
- Non-latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Tweezers
- Moistened towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer (medical)
- Tongue depressor (2)
- Sunscreen
- Non-prescription drugs
- Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Laxative
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
Contact your local American Red Cross Chapter to obtain a basic first-aid manual and training.
TOOLS
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and utensils
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cash, traveler’s checks, change
- Non-electric can opener
- Utility knife
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Emergency Preparedness Manual
- Fire extinguisher: small – ABC type
- Tent
- Pliers
- Tape (duct)
- Compass
- Paper & pencil/pen
- Signal flare
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
- Medicine dropper
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Plastic storage containers, zip lock bags
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off house gas & water
- Sewing kit (needles, thread)
- Aluminum foil
Sanitation
- Toilet paper, towelettes
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Plastic garbage bags, ties
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant Household chlorine bleach
CLOTHING and BEDDING
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Sunglasses
- Thermal underwear
- Hat and gloves