Make a Kit

Citizen CorpsWhy should I make a kit?

Disasters happen.

While Washington is a beautiful place to live, work, and play, it is also vulnerable to a full spectrum of natural and manmade hazards. Disasters are frightening events, but they can be made less alarming by taking a few simple steps to make you and your family safer and more prepared. One of these steps is developing an emergency supplies kit.

Oftentimes after a major disaster, essential services such as water and electricity are unavailable for a period of time. If it is a small emergency these services may be restored quickly; if it is a larger disaster, however, it may take several days or weeks before water and utilities are again functioning. You can make this period of time more comfortable and endurable by putting together an emergency supplies kit. In putting together an emergency supplies kit, you will also be freeing up emergency response personnel to focus on those areas that are more in need.

What items do I need in a kit?

In Washington, many of us are familiar with camping and backpacking. It is helpful to think about putting together an emergency supplies kit in the same way that you would think about planning for a camping trip: What will you need to pack to comfortably survive at least 3 days on your own? With camping and backpacking it is called the “10 Essentials.” For disasters it can be thought of as the 10 Essentials Plus.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supplies Kit:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • First aid kit

  • Whistle to signal for help

  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

  • Local maps

  • Sturdy shoes (stored next to the bed)

  • Hard hat

  • Leather gloves

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

    • Prescription medications and glasses

    • Infant formula and diapers

    • Pet food and extra water for your pet

    • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

    • Cash or traveler's checks and change

    • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov

    • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

    • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

    • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

    • Fire Extinguisher

    • Matches in a waterproof container

    • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

    • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

    • Paper and pencil

    • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children