Create an Emergency Supply Kit
Create an Emergency Supply Kit
After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, electricity, refrigeration, cell phone service, Internet, operating gas stations and ATMs may be unavailable.
Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days. But with the island geography of the Keys, residents should plan on being self-sufficient for a week or more. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container you can move easily. A large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels works well.
A basic emergency supply kit should include:
Water (one gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food in cans or sealed containers
Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
First-Aid kit and instructions
Prescription medicines (have a 2-week supply on hand)
A copy of important documents and phone numbers
Emergency cash in small denominations
Heavy work gloves
Water purifying kit
Matches and lighters
A camping stove and/or grill with fuel, canned heat and/or charcoal bricks and starter fluid
Fire extinguisher and a box of baking soda
Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer, and soap
Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
Tools such as a crowbar, hammer and nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench, and bungee cords.
Blanket or sleeping bag
Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
Battery-operated radio, NOAA weather radio
Cell phone with a portable charger
Any special-needs items for children, infants, seniors or people with disabilities
Sunscreen and bug/mosquito spray
Water and supplies for your pets
*Remember to never cook with charcoal and gas grills inside, or run generators indoors!
Go-Bag
A go-bag is a disaster kit put together with the following items in a backpack or other easy-to-carry container in case you must evacuate quickly.
Each family member should have an identifiable go-bag. Additional supplies should also be kept in your car and at work.
A Basic Go-Bag Should Include:
Flashlight
Battery-operated radio
Batteries
Whistle
Dust mask
Pocket knife
Emergency cash in small denominations
Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes and towels
Local map
Water and food
Permanent marker, paper, and tape
Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
List of emergency point-of-contact phone numbers
List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
Copy of health insurance and identification cards
Extra prescription eye glasses, contacts, hearing aids or other vital personal items
Prescription medications and First-Aid supplies
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Extra keys to your house and vehicle
Any special-needs items for children, seniors, or people with disabilities
Don’t forget to make a Go-Bag for your pets
