The six basics for your disaster supplies kit should include water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and special items.

Water is the most essential element in any supplies kit. You can go for weeks without eating, but only a few days without water. Keep at least a three-day supply of drinking water for each person — two quarts a day for adults, even more for children, the elderly, and nursing mothers. You’ll need additional water for food preparation and hygiene. It is best to store at least one gallon per person, per day.

Never ration water. Drink what you need for today and try to find more for tomorrow. Store water in plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles or milk jugs. Or, just buy bottled water. It should be kept in a dark area, preferably on the ground.

You can purify water by boiling it, adding water purification tablets or adding household liquid bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

If you’re caught without water, use the water in your hot water tank, the water left in your pipes, ice cubes and -- as a last resort -- the water in your toilet tank (not the bowl).

Always have a two-week supply of food on hand. The best emergency foods are non-perishables that don’t need cooking. Remember, you may not be able to use your gas or electric stove. Emergency cooking can be done in the fireplace or outdoors on a charcoal or propane grill or camp stove.

Stock foods high in nutrition and non-thirst provoking. Familiar foods can help ease the trauma of change and provide a feeling of security. Don’t forget any special dietary needs. Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils.

It’s best to have a first aid kit in your home and each car. A first aid kit should include:


Make sure you have at least one complete change of clothing and footwear for each person, including:

Special Items...