Washington State has the 3rd highest threat of earthquake in the United States. The Puget Sound area already has nearly 1,000 minor earthquakes each year. Disaster preparedness is not just about earthquakes. Severe weather, flooding, hazardous material spills, explosions, and multiple cases of sudden illness are just a few examples of disasters that could occur in our community. Disasters are generally not predictable. The impact of a disaster on your family, home, and community are predictable and can be alleviated with planning.
Emergency Supply Kits
You can store these supplies in a waterproof container such as a large rolling trashcan with a tight fitting lid or in several small coolers and plastic boxes. Store these containers in a convenient place known to all family members. The following lists might seem overwhelming but remember these are suggestions and each individual family needs to think about what specific needs they have.
Think about what you can reasonably carry and store in your car and how many people will be available to help you move and transport your supplies. Within this kit, keep an evacuation pack (items that you would most likely need during a hasty departure) in an easy to carry container such as a duffel bag or large backpack.
The following list are suggestions. Re-evaluate your family's needs every year. There are six basic categories you should stock for your home:
Water
Store one gallon of water per person per day in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person; 2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for other uses. Intense physical activity, children, nursing mothers, and ill people will require more water. Change your stored water supply every six months.
Food
Replace your stored food every six months. Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, cooking, and little or no water. Select food items that are lightweight and compact. For example:
• Ready to eat canned meats, canned fruits, and canned vegetables
(don't forget a can opener)
• Canned juices
• High- energy foods and bars
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort and stress foods
First Aid Supplies
- A fishing tackle box works
well as a first aid kit. - Latex gloves
- Thermometer
- Cleansing soaps and antiseptics
- Moistened towelettes
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sunscreen
- Cold and hot packs
- Oral glucose
- Saline eye drops
- Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Syrup of Ipecac
(if advised by poison control)
- Activated charcoal
(if advised by poison control) - Scissors
- Laxative
- Needles and thread
- Tweezers
- Sterile adhesive bandages
in assorted sizes - Butterfly bandages
- Cotton Swabs
- 1 roll hyper allergenic adhesive tape
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads
- 4- inch sterile gauze pads
- Triangular bandages
- 2 inch sterile roller bandages
- 3 inch sterile roller bandages
Tools and Supplies
- Battery operated radio
and extra batteries - Mess kits, or paper cups,
plates, and plastic utensils - Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cash
- Utility knife
- Tent
- Pliers
- Duct tape
- Compass
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Aluminum foil
- Flares
- Shut off wrench to turn off
household gas and water - Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
- Map
- Dust masks
- Cell Phone
(may not work during an emergency) - Axe
- Shovel
Sanitation supplies
- Toilet paper
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Plastic bucket with plastic lid
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
- At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hat and gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Special Items
Items for family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
Baby Items
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
Adult Items
- Medications
- Prescription drugs (ask your pharmacist about storing prescription meds)
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Extra eyeglasses
- Deck of cards, books, games
- Copies of important family documents
Pet Items
- Food
- Water
- Leashes/Carriers
- Medications
- Shot Records
- Identification tags
Links:
- 3 Days, 3 Ways, Are You Ready?
- 72 hours.org, Are You Prepared?
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service
- Seattle Red Cross
- King County Emergency Services
- Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division
