Medicines like prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, antibiotic ointments, hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines, cough medicine, and calamine lotion. Injury care items like antibacterial wipes, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bandages, instant ice packs, and a tourniquet. Products to protect your skin, such as sunscreen and insect repellant. Medical supplies like non-latex gloves, a thermometer, tweezers, and scissors.
Matches in a waterproof container Water purification tablets Soap Hand sanitizer Sanitizing wipes Toilet paper Garbage bags with ties Feminine products Diapers and wipes, if applicable
It’s best to keep enough water for 2 weeks, but this is not possible for most people. For a family of 4, this would mean having 56 gallons (210 L) of water. Keep in mind that bottled water does expire. If your water expires, you can use it for bathing or washing your hands. Alternatively, purify it with a water purification tablet.
Collect canned foods, including tuna, chicken, vegetables, fruit, beans, and soups. Additionally, store flour, dry beans, dried fruits, pasta, and rice. Include easy-to-eat crackers, cookies, and snacks, which you should store in an airtight container. [5] X Trustworthy Source Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal agency responsible for coordinating responses to disasters and states of emergency Go to source If you have a baby, make sure you have baby food or formula. Similarly, keep extra pet food on hand if you have a pet. Throw out dented or bloated canned goods because this is a sign of bacterial growth. If you eat the food, it will likely make you very ill.
You might also keep candles and matches around to use for lighting. However, they are more dangerous than flashlights because they can cause a fire.
If your radio uses batteries, keep extras so it doesn’t lose power.
Long sleeved clothing and pants are best, even during hot weather. They provide more protection from the elements.
For example, you might store your supplies in the top cabinets in your kitchen or the highest shelf in your pantry. If you want your supplies to be easy to move quickly, pack a backpack for each family member to carry. Place these backpacks in a closet or inside your pantry.
Learn how to administer CPR to adults, children and babies. Know the proper way to treat shock. Find out how to treat hypothermia. Learn how to save someone from drowning.
If you don’t have a match, you may be able to start a fire by rubbing 2 sticks together as fast as you can. You can find videos online that will show you a variety of ways to start fires without a lighter or matches. [12] X Research source Don’t build a fire inside your home except for inside a working fireplace. Additionally, make sure your fire is far away from nearby structures so they don’t catch fire. If your area has dry conditions, wet the ground around your fire to prevent it from spreading.
Water purification tablets can quickly purify the water for you. Boiling the water for 10 minutes will kill any pathogens that are in it.
Don’t use a grill or camp-stove indoors because it can be dangerous. Most canned goods can be eaten at room temperature, as long as the can isn’t dented or bloated. They may not taste as good, but they won’t make you sick.
You may also want to learn to fish and hunt. However, you’ll need to have the right supplies on hand to do this, which might be difficult after a disaster.
For instance, your family might decide to meet at home as your first option. However, you may also designate a local park as your back-up meeting spot in the event that you can’t get to your home. Decide how you will communicate with your family members, such as by cell phone, by walkie-talkie, or by leaving notes at designated spots, like your home, your kid’s school, or a nearby park. Review the escape routes for in case of a fire, and decide which room in your home is safest in case of a tornado or flood. Agree on what each family member will carry if you have to leave your home. Plan for how you will get in touch with each other if you get separated. For instance, you could all agree to call a specific family member.
For instance, think about the next step in your disaster plan rather than worrying about what’s happening outside.
During a flood, move to a higher area in your home, like the second floor. However, don’t go into the attic unless your attic has windows. If there’s an earthquake, stand in a doorway to protect yourself from falling debris. During a tornado, try to get to the basement. If you don’t have a basement, move to a windowless interior closet, bathroom, or hallway. Then, crouch down and cover your body. If there’s a radiation emergency, go inside and shelter in place. Turn off all fans, air conditioners, and heaters. Then, wait until the authorities provide additional information.
If there’s smoke coming from under the door or the door feels hot, don’t open the door because the fire will come inside your room. If you can’t get out of the house through a door, try to escape through a window. Even if you can’t climb down, you can yell for help from the window, and firefighters will know where you are.
It’s tempting to go exploring after a storm, but it’s far too dangerous to do so. Don’t allow children to swim in flood waters. In addition to being contaminated, they may hide dangerous debris or open manholes that can suck a child down into the sewer.
If you can, open a window to cool your home in the aftermath of the disaster. Wear cotton clothing so it will trap sweat against your skin. This will help prevent dehydration.
If you have large rocks, heat them in your fire and use them to help keep you warm. Place them under your blanket or wrap them in a towel before placing them near your skin.
Ration your food so you don’t run out of it too quickly. Eat just enough food to support your calorie needs. This helps extend your food stockpile for longer.
