Disaster Preps: Simple Steps in review

Six months ago we started posting weekly shopping lists and action items to help you develop a family disaster supplies kit and plan.  If you've followed the suggestions, you've stored about four day's worth of food and supplies for your family to use in a disaster.  You don't have to stop here!  You can re-visit our list any time and expand your food supplies to last a week or more.

Let's review your purchases and see where we stand.

Food Items and supplies for each family member:

• 4 gallons of water
• 1 small jar of peanut butter
• 2 large cans of juice
• 5 cans of meat (chili, stew, etc)
• 4 cans of vegetables
• 4 cans of fruit
• 2 cans of ready-to-eat soup 
• Toothbrush & toothpaste

Food Items for the entire family, and food supplies:

• Instant tea, coffee, or powdered soft drink
• Quick energy snacks (granola, raisins, etc)
• Graham crackers
• Dry cereal
• Hand-powered can openers
• Permanent marking pen
• Liquid dish soap
• Plain bleach (unscented)
• Heavy duty garbage bags
• Large plastic food bags
• 6 rolls of paper towels
• Eating utensils
• Plastic containers & lids
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
• Insect repellent

First aid supplies:

• Aspirin and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Compresses
• Gauze & bandages
• First aid tape
• Adhesive bandages
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Hand sanitizer
• Disposable hand wipes
• Sewing kit
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Rubbing alcohol
• Latex gloves
• Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal
• Vitamins

Hardware supplies:

• Crescent wrench
• Heavy rope
• Duct tape
• Flashlights & batteries
• Bungee cords
• Plumber's tape (metal strapping)
• Crowbar
• Smoke detector & batteries
• Waterproof portable plastic container for documents
• Portable AM/FM radio and batteries
• Whistle
• ABC type fire extinguisher
• Pliers
• Vice grips
• Spare batteries
• Masking tape
• Hammer
• Assorted nails
• Wood screws and L-brackets for securing heavy furniture
• Child-proof cabinet latches
• Velcro-type fastener to secure movable objects
• Camping or utility knife
• Heavy work gloves
• Disposable dust masks
• Screwdrivers
• Plastic safety glasses
• Battery-powered lantern & extra batteries
• Propane-fueled camp stove and fuel (optional purchase)

Action Items we've covered:

• Developing a family disaster plan
• Checking house for hazards
• Locating utility shutoffs, and learning how to safely operate them
• Documenting contents of your home on film, and storing that information safely
• Install & tested smoke detectors
• Secured water heater to wall
• Conducted fire drills
• Learned about school & workplace disaster plans
• Established out-of-state contacts
• Placed shoes & flashlights near your bed
• Backed up critical data
• Copied important documents
• Stored loose change
• Learned first aid & CPR
• Learned which neighbors may need help
• Braced shelves & cabinets
• Learned about Community Emergency Response Teams and Neighborhood Watch programs
• Packed go-kits
• Conducted earthquake and tornado drills