Use this 10-category Readiness Checklist of necessary items to build a Family Readiness Kit for use during and after natural disasters and other emergencies:

Food and Beverage Supplies – Canned and nonperishable foods – Canned or dry milk and fruit juices

Water – Plan for 10-14 gallons of drinking water per family member – Store water in a dark, cool place in plastic containers – Purchase purified water or purify water prior to storage

Supplies for Babies and Children – Diapers, wipes, lotions, and hand sanitizer – Jars of food, powdered formula, dry cereal and prepackaged foods – Prescription medications, fever and cough medicine, and vitamins – Plastic bottles, liners, extra nipples, pacifiers, and teething rings

Supplies for Elderly and Those with Special Needs – Prescription medications – Oxygen tanks, IVs, or other specialized equipment – Nutritional supplements and special diet items – Mobility and hearing aids – Style and serial number for medical devices (pacemakers, etc.) – Eyeglasses/magnifying glasses – Special bedding and extra blankets

Radio and Phone Equipment – Cell phones, chargers, and extra batteries – Portable radios, AC adapters, and extra batteries – Important family phone numbers (see Family Readiness Plan)

Safety Equipment and Supplies – Battery-operated flashlights and lamps, with extra batteries – Small fire extinguisher – Sealing tape and plastic sheeting for leaks or broken windows – If available, an emergency generator with extra gasoline and oil

First Aid Supplies – Prescription medication and asthma inhalers – Stomach remedies and pain relievers – Hot/Cold packs – Thermometer, tweezers, and scissors

Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies – Chlorine bleach (pure, unscented) and household disinfectants – Dishwashing liquid – Heavy-duty trash bags – Plastic gloves – Toilet paper and facial tissue – Small repair kit (screwdrivers, hammer, etc.) and sewing kit

Personal Gear and Paperwork – Drivers license or other ID for EACH family member – Copies of health insurance papers/cards for EACH family member – Lists of family medical history and immunization records – Lists of drug allergies and prescriptions for family members – Vehicle registration and proof of insurance – Deeds, titles, and mortgage papers – Birth certificates and Social Security cards – Physician information and phone numbers, location of nearest medical facilities – Basic hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, etc.) – Extra clothing and rain or cold-weather gear – Glasses/contact lenses – Bedding or sleeping bags – Back-ups of computer files and/or hard drives – Bank statements, deeds, titles, and mortgage papers

Cooking and Food Preparation Equipment – Camping cookware or picnic supplies – Bottle opener and manual can opener – Plastic bags and aluminum foil – Butane lighter – Sterno or portable cooking fuel for indoor use

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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