• AFTER a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be in the scene, but they cannot help immediately. You could get help in hours or it may take days. Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is to assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
  Water
  A large, covered trash container
  A camping backpack
  A duffel bag
  
  
• 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 two 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. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

• Food Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable 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 Supplies Kit: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables

• First aid kit

  Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and one for each car. It should include:

  Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  Assorted sizes of safety pins
  Cleansing agent/soap
  Latex gloves (2 pairs)
  Sunscreen
  2in sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  4in sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  Triangular bandages (3)
  2in sterile roller bandages (3)
  3in sterile roller bandages (3)
  Scissors, tweezers, needle
  Moistened towelettes
  Thermometer
  Tongue blades (2)
  Lubricant
  Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; anti-diarrhoea medication; antacid (for stomach upset); syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Centre); laxative; activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Centre)
  
  Tools and supplies
  Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils Emergency preparedness manual
  Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  Flashlight and extra batteries
  Cash or travellers’ cheques
  Non-electric can opener, utility knife
  Fire extinguisher
  Tube tent
  Pliers
  Tape
  Compass
  Matches in a waterproof container
  Aluminum foil
  Plastic storage containers
  Signal flare
  Paper, pencil
  Needles, thread
  Medicine dropper
  Wrench to shut off gas and water
  Whistle
  Plastic sheeting
  Map (for locating shelters)
  Toilet paper, towelettes
  Soap, liquid detergent
  Feminine supplies
  Personal hygiene items
  Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) Plastic bucket with tight lid
  Disinfectant
  Household chlorine bleach
  
  Clothing and bedding
  At least one change of clothing and footwear
  Sturdy shoes or work boots
  Rain gear
  Blankets or sleeping bags
  Hat and gloves
  Thermal underwear
  Sunglasses
  
  For baby
  Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications
  
  For adults
  Heart and high blood pressure medication
  Insulin
  Prescription drugs
  Denture needs
  Contact lenses and supplies
  Extra eye glasses
  Games and books
  
  Important family documents
  Keep these in a waterproof, portable container: will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunisation records
  Bank account numbers
  Credit card account numbers
  Inventory of valuable household goods
  Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  
  Keep items in airtight bags.
  Change your water supply and food every six months.

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