RICHMOND, VA
-- With the disruption from Hurricane Isabel fresh in the minds of Virginians,
many residents are getting ready for hurricane season by assembling a disaster
supply kit.
Preparedness is the key to survival in any disaster,
including hurricanes and terrorism, and having a family disaster supply kit
handy can aid in recovery. The following sample shopping list should help
residents to assemble the basic items for a family disaster supply kit over a
four-week period. Purchase enough supplies to last at least three days; however,
a one-week supply is ideal.
WEEK
1
Hardware
store:
Containers to hold
the disaster supply kit (large plastic tub with lid, backpack, etc.) Flashlights 1 portable tool kit 1 roll of duct tape 1 utility knife 1 tarp (to cover a leaky roof if
necessary) 1 battery
operated radio Batteries
for flashlights and radio
Purchase or gather from existing
household supply:
1 blanket or
sleeping bag for each member of the household 1 small pillow for each member of the
household Towels Books or games for
entertainment 1 local road
map 1 set of extra
clothing and shoes for each member of the household
WEEK
2
Grocery
store:
Cans of meat for
each member of the household (i.e., tuna, chicken, corned beef) Cans of ready-to-eat soup for each
member of the household
Cans of vegetables for each member of the household Cans of fruit for each member of the
household 1 box of
heavy-duty garbage bags with ties 1 box of zip-lock food storage bags for storing important papers
and small items 1 manual
can opener
WEEK
3
Drug
store:
1 toothbrush for
each member of the household 1 large tube of toothpaste 1 bottle each of necessary over-the-counter and prescription
medications 1 box of
sanitary wipes or liquid hand sanitizer 1 package of sanitary napkins or tampons 1 bottle of shampoo 1 family size first aid kit
WEEK
4
Grocery
store:
At least 3 gallons of water for each member of the household,
including pets
Containers/boxes of quick energy snacks (granola bars, nuts, raisins, trail
mix) 1 jar of peanut
butter Large cans of juice
(not concentrate) 1
package of assorted plastic utensils 1 package of paper plates & bowls 2 rolls of paper towels 1 6-roll pack of toilet paper
If
needed:
Purchase extra items
for pets (carriers, food, leashes, toys, etc.) Purchase extra items for children (baby food,
formula, diapers, coloring books, etc.) Purchase extra items for elderly or special needs family members
(hearing aid batteries, medications, special food, etc.)
For more
information about preparing for disasters, visit the Virginia Department of
Emergency Management website at www.vaemergency.com or call (804)
897-6510.
