American Red Cross
Disaster Services

Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities

APPENDIX A: DISASTER SUPPLIES KITS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

There are six basics you should stock for your home:

1. water,
2. food,
3. first aid supplies,
4. clothing and bedding,
5. tools and emergency supplies, and
6. special items.

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

Essentials

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries

Do not include candles. Candles cause more fires after a disaster than anything else.

Water

Store water in plastic containers, such as large soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A person who is generally active 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 to drink even more.

Store three gallons of water per person (one gallon for each day and for each person).

Keep at least a three-day supply of water (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation) for each person in the household.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable 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 and matches. 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
Canned fruits, dried fruits, and nuts
Canned vegetables

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include the following:

Sterile, adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
Sunscreen
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Triangular bandages (3)
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Scissors
Adhesive tape
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Rubbing alcohol
Thermometer
Tongue blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Extra eye glasses

Nonprescription Drugs

Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Antidiarrheal 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)

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine hygiene supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Facial tissues

Clothing and Bedding

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

Tools and Supplies

Mess kits or paper cups; plates and plastic utensils
Cash or traveler's checks, coins.
Nonelectric can opener, utility knife
Pliers, screwdriver, hammer, crowbar, assorted nails, wood screws
Shutoff wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Tape, such as duct tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Adhesive labels
Safety goggles
Heavy work gloves
Whistle
Heavy cotton of hemp rope
Patch kit and can of seal-in-air
Videocassettes
Disposable dust masks
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)

For Baby

Formula
Diapers/wipes
Bottles
Powdered formula, milk, or baby food
Medications

Important Family Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Copy of passports, Social Security cards, immunization records
Record of credit card accounts
Record of bank account numbers, names, and phone numbers
Inventory of valuable household goods,important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Copy of Supplemental Security Income award letter

Medical Needs

Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture supplies
Contact lenses and supplies

Items for Service Animals/Pets

Food
Additional water
Leash/harness
Identification tags
Medications and medical records
Litter/pan

Entertainment

Games and books

Other Disaster Supplies

Assemble the supplies below in addition to your basic disaster supplies kit. Combine these with your disaster supplies kit as you need them, and store them somewhere that is easy for you to get to.

Disability-Related Supplies and Special Equipment
Check items you use, and describe item type and location.

Glasses:
Eating utensils:
Grooming utensils:
Dressing devices:
Writing devices:
Hearing device:
Oxygen:
        Flow rate:
Suction equipment:
Dialysis equipment:
Sanitary supplies:
Urinary supplies:
Ostomy supplies:
Wheelchair:
        Wheelchair repair kit:
        Motorized:
        Manual:
Walker:
Crutches:
Cane(s):
Dentures:
Monitors:
Other:

Service Animal and Pet Supplies

Food
Extra water
Leash/harness
Collar
Identification tags
Medications
Vaccinations and medical records

Portable Disaster Supplies Kit

Emergency information list/other lists
Small flashlight
Whistle/other noisemaker
Water
Extra medication
Copies of prescriptions
Extra pair of glasses
Hearing aid
Sanitary supplies
Pad and pencil or other writing device

Car Supplies

Several blankets
Extra set of mittens or gloves, wool socks, and a wool cap
Jumper cables and instructions
Small sack of sand or kitty litter for traction
Small shovel
Set of tire chains or traction mats
Red cloth to use as a flag
CB radio or cellular telephone

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