Survival Supplies for the Family

While you can't prevent earthquakes, hurricanes, pandemic virus or acts of war, you can be prepared when disaster strikes. Keep essential supplies on hand to make your family more comfortable in a disaster or perhaps even save a life. In a major catastrophe, there may be no access to supermarkets or health care facilities; electricity, water and communications may be out; you may not have transportation, and you will likely have to rely on yourselves for survival. Stock enough supplies to sustain your family for at least a two-week period. Once your have assembled your survival kit, keep it up to date, safely stored and easily accessible.

Food and Water

• Stock a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, plus extra water if you have pets. Keep enough nonperishable food (boxed or canned) for two weeks, and include infant formula and pet food if necessary. Store food properly for an effective survival kit. See the link the Resources for specific storage tips and instructions.

First Aid Kit

• First aid supplies are vital components of any survival kit. Include a first-aid book for medical advice, rubber gloves, cleansing agents (including soap and more convenient towelettes), antibiotic and burn ointments, cold packs, bandages, swabs, sterile gauze, tape, bandage wraps and a sling. A thermometer, surgical scissors, measuring spoon, eyewash and tweezers are essential medical tools. Pack medications as well, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotics, antihistamines, and any necessary special-needs medications such as asthma and allergy inhalers. If anyone in your family wears contact lenses, glasses or hearing aids, pack extras, along with extra hearing aid batteries. Stock a one-month supply of any prescribed medications.

Tools

• Tools can be lifesavers. A manual can opener and eating utensils will be important. But also consider good emergency products such as a fire extinguisher, a cell phone and battery- or solar-powered charger, flashlights, flares, a radio (crank or battery-powered), plenty of batteries, matches (in waterproof container) and duct tape. Your kit should also include a knife, wrench, screwdriver, hammer, nails, dust masks and plastic sheeting in case of any structural damages.

Clothing and Bedding

• Pack warm clothing, boots, rain gear and sleeping bags for each family member. Keep the survival kit up to date, changing sizes as needed.

Sanitation and Hygiene

• Keep a sufficient range of sanitation and hygiene supplies, including feminine hygiene products. Start with household chlorine bleach, cleansers and alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizer. You'll also need personal grooming items and sufficient paper goods such as toilet paper needed to sustain you and your family for two weeks. Pack N95 (virus resistant) respiratory masks, heavy duty garbage bags and rubber gloves. Include any pet supplies if necessary.

Additional items

• Cash, traveler's checks, local maps and emergency phone numbers may prove useful in an emergency. Add writing materials, books, games and puzzles for the family. Keep a waterproof and portable file of important family documents and identification. Special family photos or easy-to-carry heirlooms may also be kept ready to go.