WHEN IT COMES to being prepared, it can seem like an impossible task to have everything that would be conceivably necessary all together.
However, an emergency kit is a part of readying yourself that can continuously grow.
Individual emergency kits should always be personalised based on the specific needs of each person or family unit that it is catered towards. Basic survival supplies for enduring natural phenomena should be kept in an easily accessed place so that additions may be made when the need arises.
Here is a list of general provisions that should be included in any kit.
Download a Disaster Supply List. You can customise to suit your needs.
Food and Water
Water – 11 litres (one gallon) per person per day (store in clean plastic containers, change every six months for freshness)
Non-perishable food or ready to eat canned food and juices (three-day supply, change every six months for freshness)
Snacks for children
Non-electric can opener
Baby food
First aid
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Surgical masks
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Cotton wool
Latex gloves (two pairs)
Two-inch sterile gauze pads (four to six)
Four-inch sterile gauze pads (four to six)
Triangular bandages (3)
Non-prescription drugs
Antibiotic ointment
Two-inch sterile roller bandages (three rolls)
Scissors
Tweezers
Needles (two to four)
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue blades (two)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Tampons (large pack for multi-use)
Non-prescription drugs
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhoea medication
Antacid
Laxative
Gravol (for nausea)
Sanitation
Toilet paper (four to six), towelettes (six to ten)
Towels
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine products/supplies
Personal hygiene items (deodorant, mouthwash, etc)
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation use)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Special requirements
Remember the disabled
Infant care supplies (formula, diapers, medications, powdered milk, etc)
Elderly care supplies
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Eye care (contact lenses, glasses)
Pet care (food, water, necessary cleaning supplies, etc)
Tools and Supplies
Batteries (AA, AAA, and so on, at least four of each)
Battery-operated radio
Flashlights (two)
Utility knife
Manual can opener
Whistle
Pliers
Duct tape, electrical tape
Aluminium foil
Matches in waterproof container
Signal flare
Needles, thread
Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
Plastic storage containers
Cash, change
Paper, pen/pencil
Ziploc bags
Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Steel wool
Blankets
Documents
Water proof containers
Passports and health records
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Will and property information
Financial records (account numbers, credit card numbers and company information)
Insurance policies
Deeds, contracts, stocks, bonds, and so on.
Inventory of valuable household property.
