.....excerpt from an article in the Tulsa World..."The National Weather Service, The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency & The American Red Cross recommend we all 'prepare for the worst' by assembling such a kit ......
(Disclaimer: Most of the next article was typed as is from an article in the Tulsa World....no plagerism is intended, just sharing the very helpful information with those who may not have seen it......or have a disaster plan of their own.....)
Depending on the size of your family, you might get by with a backpack as your "kit transport", but for larger families you might need a metal garbage can with two handles and a tight-fitting metal lid or a large duffel bag.
It should be large enough to hold three days worth of food, water, a first aid kit, clothing and other supplies to sustain your family for three days--and it should be easily transportable by one or two people.
FOOD:
Select canned foods which require no involved preparation, heating or refrigeration.
Don't forget to include several small can openers with your food collection.
If you can't live for three days without hot food, include a three-pack of Sterno (jellied alcohol fuel in a can) in the food section.
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables are easier to use than dehydrated foods you must reconstitute and cook.
It is more practical to buy complete-meal offerings such as beef stew, spaghetti, chili, etc., so you're not forced to "prepare meals" while huddled in the ruins of your home.
Prepare for at least two main meals per day for each family member.
Canned juices, milk and soup should also be included.
In small packets, include staples such as sugar, salt and pepper.
Include high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix.
Comfort-stress-relief treats such as cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee and tea bags will round out your stores.
ROTATE STORED FOOD EVERY SIX MONTHS !!
WATER:
You can buy plastic containers intended for this purpose or just clean and save 2-litre beverage bottles for use as water containers.
Avoid using plastic milk jugs as they can break or decompose after time.
Active people need to drink at least two quarts of water each day; and children, nursing mothers and ill people need more. Hot environments double this need.
Store one gallon of water per person per day--two quarts for drinking and two quarts for food preparation and sanitation.
Keep a 3-day supply for each person in your household. Dump and refill water containers every 6 months.
FIRST AID KIT:
In a separate container which will fit inside the disaster kit, collect the following:
INTERNAL CARE: Include 1/2 ounce bottle of "syrup of ipecac" to induce vomiting in case of accidental poisoning, a can of activated charcoal to absorb swallowed poisons which can't be purged, laxative and anti-diarrhea medication.
BANDAGES: Store assorted bandages, including butterfly
sterile roll gauze
hypoallergenic adhesive tape and scissors to cut it with
six 2-inch sterile gauze pads
six 4-inch sterile gauze pads
3 triangular bandages
3 rolls of 2-inch sterile roller bandages
3 rolls of 3-inch sterile roller bandages.
SKIN CARE:
Include:
burn ointment or spray
hydrocortisone cream for skin problems
baking soda for insect stings, heat rash or itching
calamine lotion for bites and minor rashes
eyewash with cup
sterile cotton
tweezers for removing splinters
sunscreen
insect repellent
antibiotic ointment or spray
antiseptic
Epsom salts.
ASSORTED GEAR:
Include:
an oral thermometer and a rectal thermometer for children
petroleum jelly
elastic bandage
assorted safety pins
several pairs of latex gloves.
NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
In addition to at least a 3-day supply of any PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS, also have on hand the following over-the-counter medications:
aspirin or acetaminophen
antacid tablets
anti-diarrhea medicine
antihistamines for allergic reactions to insect bites, food allergies, contact allergens, etc.
laxative or stool softener
nasal spray
oral decongestant
multiple vitamins or specific vitamins any individual family member needs.
FIRST AID BOOK:
The book recommended by the ARC is "First Aid Fast." (1994, Mosby-Lifeline) published for the Red Cross. It covers breathing emergencies, burn treatment, cardiac emergencies, choking, cold-related emergencies, drowning, heat-related emergencies, etc.
TOOLS & SUPPLIES:
Mess kits or paper cups, plates & plastic utensils for each person should be included
a battery-powered radio with extra batteries
flashlight with extra batteries
cash or travelers checks and quarters and dimes for the pay phone
signal flare, paper and pencil, needles and thread, medicine dropper
shut-off wrench to turn off gas & water, whistle, plastic sheeting
a map of the area for locating shelters.
SANITATION SUPPLIES:
Don't forget the toilet paper, hand soap and liquid dish soap
moistened towelettes, feminine supplies
personal hygiene items
plastic garbage bags with ties for personal sanitation uses
plastic bucket with tight lid
disinfectant and household chlorine bleach.
OTHER SUPPLIES:
Clothing
bedding
sturdy shoes or work boots
rain gear
blankets or sleeping bags
hat and gloves
thermal underwear
a spare pair of EYEGLASSES or sunglasses.
Rethink the contents of the kit and family needs at least once a year, replacing batteries and updating clothing every six months.
Also include any special-needs supplies such as baby formula, diapers, heart or high blood pressure medication, denture care, etc.
If you EVER take care of someone else's children, include provisions for them too !!
PET CARE NEEDS:
The preceding addresses the needs of human preparedness in times of disaster, but if you're browsing my pages, you most likely have pets to prepare for as well.
Read on to find out how you can prepare for your pet(s)' well-being and comfort in times of disaster.....
A reasonably priced source of fully prepared, long life survival foods: LongLifeFood.com