U S Government
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
U S Gov - additional items
Hmm, why didn't they just include these in the first list?
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
http://www.races.org/gokit.htm
My "every day" kit stays within easy reach. Including a dual-band HT, it weighs 5 pounds and is 4"x5"x10." It fits in a small waist bag and includes the following:
1. Dual-band HT in padded belt case.
2. Copy of current FCC Operating License.
3. "Tiger tail" (enhances transmit and receive of typical "rubber duck" by 3 db).
4. Extra high-capacity (1000 man) nicad, or backup AA battery case for HT.
5. DC adapter & cigarette plug cord for HT
6. Two extra 2A fuses, for HT cord .
7. Earphone and/or speaker mike
8. Spartan pattern Swiss Army pocket knife
9. Leatherman multi-purpose tool
10. Mini-Mag-Lite, extra bulb and spare AAs
11. Pencil and pocket notepad
12. Emergency gas / phone money ($10 bill, + four quarters and five dimes in pill box).
13. SO-239 to male-BNC adapter to fit HT to mobile antenna coax and female BNC to SO-239 to fit HT gain antenna to jumper.
14. 6 ft. RG8-X jumper w/BHC male and female connectors to extend HT antenna with suction cups or auto window clip.
15. Spare eye glasses of current prescription.
16. Band aids, moist towelettes and sunscreen
17. Pocket sewing kit, matches
18. Small pocket compass
19. Operating reference card for HT
20. ARES phone and frequency reference card
They also have a back up kit
The "Backup Bag" contains "24-hour" items in a sturdy shoulder bag with carrying strap. I am trying to reduce mine from its 12"x8"x6" size and 18 lbs. weight. I use a padded, ballistic nylon camera bag with external pockets marked as to contents. It stays in the car until needed. Suggested contents are:
1. Neck-lanyard pocket with spare car keys, $20 emergency cash, credit card, long-distance calling card and ARES photo ID.
2. Second, "backup / loaner" 2-meter HT. (battery packs and accessories should interchange with the dual-bander)
3. Spare nicad and AA-battery pack, ear phone and speaker-mike for second HT
4. Operating manuals for HT's.
5. Fused DC adapter cords with Molex connectors for brick amplifier and HTs
6. Extra 10' AWG 10 gage twin lead extension cord, with battery clips, in-line fuses and Molex connectors to power brick amp or HT.
7. Compact, rugged, 25-40w 2 meter or dual-band brick amplifier. - See note at right>>.
8. Gain antennas for both HTs: (telescoping half-wave Larsen and flexible dual-band Comet CH-72, 1/4-wave VHF, 5/8-wave UHF).
9. HT nicad, and 12V gel cell wall chargers.
10. Four NP2-12 gel cel1 batteries to power small brick amp at 10w @ 25% duty cycle / 8 hrs.
11. Two refills of AA Alkaline batteries for HT.
12. RG8-X jumpers with soldered PL-259s, two 3 ft., one, 6 ft., one 10 ft. and one 25 ft. with double-female connectors to combine all.
13. BNC-male+BNC female to SO-239;
BNC-male+BNC female to PL-259;
NMO to SO-239 adapters.
14. Cable ties, large and small, 6 each
15. Lensatic compass, 7.5min. series area topo.
16. Two sharpened pencils, pencil sharpener, gum eraser, note pad, permanent marker.
17. ARES Field Resource Manual
18. Compact, rugged, flashlight (Pelican Stealthlite), with extra bulb and AA batteries
19. Two sets of spare fuses (2A, 10A, 15A) for HT cords, mobile radio or brick amplifier.
20. Comfort, safety and basic first aid items: sunglasses, matches, tissues, toothbrush, sun block, sewing kit, insect repellent, tweezers, band-aids, adhesive tape, gauze pads, wound cleaning wipes, etc.
Red Cross - They would like to sell you their's.
Contents:
* 1 Battery Powered Flashlight
(batteries included)
* 1 Battery Powered Radio*
(batteries included)
* 1 Emergency Blanket
* 1 Food Bar (2,400 calories)
* 1 Pair of Work Gloves
* 1 Pair of Plastic Work Goggles
* 1 Breathing Mask (NIOSH-N95)
* 1 Rain Poncho
* 1 Personal First Aid Kit
* 1 Personal Supplies Kit (washcloth, comb, soap, toothbrush/paste, shampoo/body wash and more!)
* 2 Water Bottles (16oz each)
* 1 Whistle
Personal First Aid Kit includes:
* 1 Absorbent Compress 5x9 dressing
* 10 Adhesive Bandages (assorted sizes)
* 1 Adhesive Cloth Tape 5yds/1"
* 2 Antibiotic Ointment Packets (approx 1g)
* 2 Antiseptic Wipe Packets
* 2 Packets of Aspirin (81mg each)
* 1 Pair of Non-Latex Gloves (Size Large)
* Scissors
* 1 Roller Bandages 3"
* 3 Sterile Gauze Pad 3x3
* Emergency First Aid Guide
All this for $39.95
Real Simple - Leaves a lot to be desired; but you my be into simple...
The Basics
# Eating and drinking. Three days’ worth of nonperishable food and water.
# An extra supply of essential medication (for example, insulin, antidepressants, and other prescription medicines). “Nothing’s worse than going through a stressful situation without your blood-pressure pills,” says Robertory.
# One region-specific change of clothing. In addition to the basics, pack a jacket if you risk being out in the elements and a hat if you are sensitive to sunlight.
# Important papers. Make photocopies of your driver’s license, credit cards, and other important documents, and jot down important phone numbers for your bank, insurer, and other service providers. “Some people are cautious about writing or photocopying account numbers, but if you have your bank’s phone number and can relay to them your pertinent personal information, they won’t even need your account number,” says Robertory.
# An NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio. “Preferably one with a hand crank, so you’re not dependent on batteries,” says Robertory. An NOAA radio broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day and can be found in many electronic and sporting-goods stores.
# A flashlight and extra batteries.
# Cash. “Have enough cash and coins on hand for one or two weeks, based on your spending habits,” says Robertory. “Remember that ATMs and credit-card machines may not have power, and banks will be empty if areas have been evacuated. Also, don’t put just $20 bills in the kit, as things like pay phones and laundry machines require change.”
72 Hours has an interesting site.
Build a Kit
After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily.
Your basic emergency kit should include:
* Water – one gallon per person per day
* Food – ready to eat or requiring minimal water
* Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
* Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
* First Aid kit & instructions
* A copy of important documents & phone numbers
* Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.
* Heavy work gloves
* Disposable camera
* Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
* Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
* Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
* Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
* Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets.
A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
* Flashlight
* Radio – battery operated
* Batteries
* Whistle
* Dust mask
* Pocket knife
* Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
* Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
* Local map
* Some water and food
* Permanent marker, paper and tape
* Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
* List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
* List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
* Copy of health insurance and identification cards
* Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
* Prescription medications and first aid supplies
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Extra keys to your house and vehicle
* Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
For the pets
• Sturdy leashes and/or carriers to transport pets. Animal shelters may require owners to provide a pet carrier for each animal.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food and potable water, for at least one week. Bowls, cat litter and pan, plastic bags, can opener and pet toys. These items may not be immediately available in animal shelters.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, immunization records and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets.
Nationally Registered Wilderness EMT-I guy
This guy sounds serious about this and just a bit scary. He has several different list suggestions depending upon your requirements. Probably a good idea. He calls them Jump Kits; I kinda like that.
First aid kit:
In a waist pouch or day pack:
* one flashlight (electric torch) with batteries
* spare batteries
* one pair trauma shears (EMT shears/pennycutters)
* two pairs nitrile exam gloves
* one biohazard waste bag (any sturdy, sealable plastic bag will do)
* one SAM splint (Structural Aluminum Malleable)
* two triangular bandages
* four 4"x4" gauze pads (lint/surgical sponges)
* two rolls 4" gauze (roller bandage/cling)
* ten adhesive bandages (sticking plasters) (Elastoplast/Band-aid type)
* one roll 1/2" medical adhesive tape
* two 5"x9" abdominal pads
* one pocket face mask (keychain-style CPR mask)
* one bottle 81 mg chewable aspirin
* two 6" elastic bandages (Ace bandages)
* six safety pins
* six alcohol prep pads
* six povodine iodine prep pads
* one pen
* one notebook
* inventory list
Wilderness rescue bag
(Along with what's in your hiking backpack)
* In a stuff sack:
headlamp-style flashlight (electric torch)
100 feet (30 meters) parachute cord
one tin cup with handle
two plumber's candles
two packages Jell-O (kind with sugar)
one wool hat (watch cap/toque)
two pairs wool socks
one compass
three square feet heavy-duty aluminum foil
one whistle
two disposable butane lighters
one pack waterproof matches (lifeboat matches)
two large plastic trash bags (Contractor bags)
one poncho
inventory list
Urban bag
Urban bag
(Along with what's in your pockets)
* In a waist pouch:
one AA flashlight (electric torch)
one AA transistor radio
one spare pack of AA batteries
one pack moleskin (thick adhesive-backed cotton felt used to protect against blisters)
anti-chafing ointment
one small sharp curved scissors (iris scissors or cuticle scissors)
one space blanket
one disposable poncho
250 mL of water
one whistle
$100 in ten-dollar bills (enough for two nights in a cheap motel or an inter-state bus/train ticket)
$10 in quarters (most common coin for vending machines, toll booths, and pay phones)
two disposable butane lighters
one pack waterproof matches (lifeboat matches)
one pre-paid phone card
lists of phone numbers
one pen
one notepad
inventory list
consider: regional map
consider: laminated photocopies of important documents (e.g. marriage license, birth certificate, social security card, first page of passport)
Evacuation/deployment bag
(Along with what's on your back)
* In a backpack:
one or more changes of clothing (including shoes), underwear, socks
toiletries and hygiene supplies
outerwear, as appropriate to the climate and the season
medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
snacks
reading material, deck of cards, or other entertainment
pen
notepad
inventory list
Ho on the Go
Kit includes thong with logo, 2 condoms, toothbrush with mini paste, and aromatherapy towelette.
Thought you might like this one.
U S Gov for Kids / FEMA's got one too
This is a pretty cool site for your kids. With some good info for the entire family.
The 11 P's
# PEOPLE: Have a plan for getting out of the house and make sure everyone knows it. Have an emergency bag of food and water for your family. Include wholesome snacks and treats for the children: dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers and granola bars.
# PETS: Keep pet carriers and leashes readily available to lead pets to safety. Also take pet food with you.
# PICTURES: Keep negatives or CDs of pictures in a lock box or at a family member's home. Have picture albums in one place ready to grab and go at a moments notice.
# PAPERS: Have all your important papers in a lock box at a bank and only keep copies at the house. This keeps you from panicking. If you have them at home then put them in a folder that you can easily grab if you have to move fast. Color code it so you can find it!
# PRESCRIPTIONS: Take your medications with you. Don't forget the ones that have to be refrigerated like insulin. Have small ice chest and cold packs readily accessible to pack and go. If you have babies; remember their formula or medications.
# PURSES and PETROL: This is where you keep your identification, credit cards and cash. Keep a stash of cash for emergencies and grab it. You may not be able to use an ATM in the event of a power outage. Make sure your car always has a half a tank of gas.
# PROPER CLOTHES and COMFORT ITEMS: According to the weather conditions; gather up a change of clothes along with outer clothing: coats, rain gear, boots, gloves and hats. If you have babies remember diapers. Remember to grab your children's favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy. A game or a deck of cards could keep them occupied and calm too.
# PLANNER/CALENDAR/CONTROL JOURNAL: These documents have all the information you will need from phone numbers, insurance numbers and important dates. They are small and filled with things you don't have to try to remember.
# PERSONAL PROTECTION: Many of us still have that time of the month. Be sure and grab a box of your preferred protection. It may be hard to find if you have been evacuated. Stress can cause our bodies to do strange things too. So be prepared. Take medication for cramps too.
# PHONES and RADIOS: Many of us have cell phones now. Always keep them charged up and have a charger in the car or an extra battery. They may not work in the event of power outages, but then they might. Know which local radio station has emergency bulletins. Keep your battery powered radio tuned to that local station and have plenty of batteries for it.
# PATIENCE: This is one of the most important things to pack. Keep it inside of you so that you have a clear calm head. Having your P's to Preparedness list guiding you will keep you patient. In the event of an evacuation there will be lots of displaced people. Being patient will make things less stressful. Your children need to see you calm and collected. This will help keep them calm too.
Just Do It
Pick one of these and make your kit. We haven't yet, but I am now inspired. I would have a difficult time with the money. I'd probably keep "borrowing" it and spending it on mexican food and / or chocolate.
Most of the things I read suggest you keep the kit in the trunk of your car. My car doesn't have a trunk, maybe I'll remove the spare tire and put it there. That seems like a handy place.
OnMyList
List your pants off!