Build a Kit "I promise I will get the necessary supplies." What you have on hand during a disaster makes a big difference. Store supplies for each household member to last three days. Store your kit in a sturdy but easy-to-carry container, such as a duffel bag or backpack. Keep a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle. There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency:  water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items for medical conditions. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Below is a comprehensive list of what should be included in your kit – recommended items are marked with an asterisk(*).   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).* Additional Information Water sources during an emergency 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 Canned juices Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) High energy foods Vitamins Food for infants Comfort/stress foods Additional Information Food supplies during an emergency First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Or you can purchase a kit from online here (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes. (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing. (1) conforming roller gauze bandage. (2) triangular bandages. (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads. (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads. (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage. (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (6) antiseptic wipes. (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves. Adhesive tape, 2" width. Anti-bacterial ointment. Cold pack. Scissors (small, personal). Tweezers. CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield. Non-Prescription Drugs Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset) Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center) Laxative Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) 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 traveler's checks, change* Non-electric can opener, utility knife* Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type Tube tent Pliers Tape Compass Matches in a waterproof container Aluminum foil Plastic storage containers Signal flare Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Map of the area (for locating shelters) Sanitation 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 *Include 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 Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons 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 Entertainment (based on the ages of family members) Games (cards) and books Portable music device Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Find out what could happen to you Build A Kit is just one step in the four-step local Promise to Prepare project.  We'd like 10,000 local individuals - like yourself - to promise that you will Build A Kit (or do one of the other three actions) in the next 12 months. Tell us what you promise to do and we'll help you get there. For more information, call 412-263-3162. >Promise to Prepare