Individual Disaster Preparedness

Have water and food for at least 1 month at home, but a 3 month supply is preferable.

Water sources

• Home ponds
• Water barrels
• Emergency drinking water pouches
• Life straw
• Hot water heater
• Fill bath tub with water

To store water in water barrels, disinfect barrels with bleach and then add “Rx clear” mega shock,(73% Calcium Hypochlorite), Follow directions for use. Keeps drinking water safe for up to 10 years.

Emergency food

• Easy open cans of high calorie food, coffee, tea, milk, chocolate, alcohol, beans rice
• Long term food such as “Readywise” emergency food supply (lasts25 years). available at Costco but also Walmart has a whole section for long term emergency food supply. Things like cheese, eggs, mashed pototatoes and all kinds of food. Keep a large container with the emergency food easily accessible in your house

Other Supplies

• Small propane stove, or portable camping stove
• Matches or lighter
• Extra pet food
• Medical supplies
• Small propane heaters
• Generator
• Large rolls of heavy duty plastic, to cover windows in case windows are broken. will keep cold air and rain out of house
• Flashlights
• Battery back up charger for phone
• Water purification tablets
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Extra batteries
• Whistle
• Garbage bags
• Duct tape
• Manual can opener
• Cash

Go Back Bag

Have a “to go back bag” packed at home with emergency food and water for at least 3 days

• Medical supplies
• Water
• Blankets
• Extra clothes
• Closed shoes (sneakers)
• Hats, gloves, jacket
• Hand warmers
• Blankets
• Portable camping stove
• Matches or lighter
• Water purification tablets
• Flashlight
• Battery back up charger for phone
• Survival blanket
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Extra batteries
• Whistle
• Garbage bags
• Duct tape
• Manual can opener
• Cash
• Pet supplies including a pet carrier

Go Home Bag

Have a “go home bag” packed in your car. In case you are away and need to get home. This should be in a backpack form to make it easier to walk home. The Go Home bag should be waterproof, and should contain

• Emergency water pouches
• Food for at least a day
• Walking shoes
• Warm outer clothing
• Hand warmers
• Portable camping stove
• Lighter or waterproof matches
• Flashlights
• Battery back up charger for phone
• Multi tool
• First aid kit
• Water purification tablets
• Survival blanket
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Extra batteries
• Whistle
• Garbage bags
• Duct tape
• Manual can opener
• Cash
• Pet supplies