Emergency Supplies

These items should be included in a basic emergency supply kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• First Aid kit
• Any prescription medications that your family may need
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Can opener
• Whistle to signal for help
• Personal items like moist towelettes, toilet paper, and garbage
• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
• Water proof container for important papers

Source: Iowa Department of Public Health http://idph.iowa.gov/

Clothing and Bedding

What would you do if the power and heat went out? Is it cold where you live? You should pack one change of warm clothing and shoes for everyone, including:

• A jacket or coat
• Long pants
• A long sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes
• A hat and gloves
• A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Source: www.ready.gov/kids/

Optional Supplies

Here are some other items you might want to include. Some of these items can be dangerous, so please have a grown up collect these supplies with you.

• First aid book
• Rain gear
• Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Cash or traveler’s checks, change
• Paper towels
• Fire extinguisher
• Tent or plastic sheeting and duct tape to build a shelter
• Compass
• Paper, pencil
• Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
• Household chlorine bleach
• Medicine dropper
• A waterproof container for important family documents
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Source: http://www.ready.gov/kids/

Kids Survival Kit

What would you want to have with you if you had to leave home during a disaster? Below are some suggestions for fun activities to pack in your backpack:

• One of your favorite books, toys, and/or stuffed animals
• Crayons, pencils or pens and paper
• Scissors and glue
• Board games
• A deck of cards
• A puzzle

Source: http://www.ready.gov/kids/

After Assembling Your Kit

• Put your kit somewhere where everyone can find it
• Check the kits once in a while to make sure food and water are fresh and medicines are up-to-date
• Remember to take your emergency supply kit with you during a disaster

Source: Iowa Department of Public Health http://idph.iowa.gov/