There are many reasons why you and your family should have an emergency preparedness kit; including fire, earthquake, or some other catastrophic emergency. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the American Red Cross has made a weekly shopping list based on a family of four to include in your emergency kit…
The Red Cross has made a list for families to use in an emergency kit, and they’ve spread the items over 21 weeks, so you don’t have to purchase everything at once. Keep the items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container, such as a duffle bag or large tote. The kit should also include a set of clothes and shoes for each family member; copies of important documents such as birth certificates, ID, insurance policies, passports, leases, etc.); a 3-day supply of medications; extra cash in small bills; spare keys; and spare glasses. Some of the items to buy include bottled water and juices, peanut butter, cereal, crackers, canned vegetables and meat, sanitary and cleaning supplies, battery-operated radio and batteries, tools and duct tape, blankets and pillows, and garbage bags. A complete list of items is available below.
Save $1.75 per week and purchase a weather radio at the end of 21 weeks
Customize your kit for your family.
For baby: baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, extra water for formula and washing bottles.
For seniors: oxygen, walker, adult diapers, hearing aid with extra batteries and extra medication.
For pets: carrier, medicines, inoculation and health records, ID tags, photo of you with your pet(s).
For children: toys, travel games, extra batteries, stuffed animal, cards, crayons, paper, books.
Daylight Saving Time: When you change your clocks, check your kit. Replace expired food, medicine, and batteries. Check clothing for fit and seasons. Also change smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
For more preparedness tips, visit redcross.org
Week 1:
Tour your home to gather items you already have. Place all items in a waterproof bag or container before packing in kit.
Check off each item as you go.
A sturdy, easy-to-car container to hold items (backpack, duffle bag, or large tote)
A set of clothes and sturdy shoes for each family member
Copies of important papers (birth certificates, ID, insurance policies, passports, home lease/deed, etc.)
A 3-day supply of your medications
A current list of family phone numbers and emails, including someone who can be reached if local lines are down
A map (mark an evacuation route on it from your local area)
Extra cash in small bills
Spare keys for house and car
Spare glasses or contacts and solution
Books or toys
Week 2:
1 gallon of water
1 jar of peanut butter
1 box crackers
2 boxes energy bars
Week 3
1 gallon of water
2 cans meat/fish
2 cans fruit/veggies
Manual can opener
Week 4
1 gallon of water
1 bottle juice
1 pkg. hand sanitizer
1 antibacterial soap
Week 5
1 gallon of water
1 liquid dish soap
2 rolls toilet paper
1 box facial tissue
Week 6
1 gallon of water
First aid kit and guide
Latex gloves
Tweezers
Week 7
Thermometer
Allergy/pain reliever in childproof container
Sunscreen
Week 8
1 gallon of water
Feminine supplies
Comb and brush
1 potted meat
Week 9
Towels and washcloths
Toothbrushes and paste
Shampoo, bar soap
Deodorant
Week 10
Umbrella/slicker
Scarf
Winter gloves
1 bottle juice
Week 11
1 gallon of water
1 pkg energy snacks
Emergency blanket
Matches
Week 12
Flashlight
Batteries
Cotton rope
1 bottle juice
Week 13
1 gallon of water
Screwdriver
Utility knife
Pliers
Week 14
2 cans fruit/veggies
1 pkg. eating utensils
1 pkg. plastic cups
Paper towels/napkins
Week 15
Pet food & dishes
Extra water
Leash
Litter pan/litter
Week 16
1 gallon of water
2 cans meat/fish
Cell phone and charger
Dried fruits and nuts
Week 17
1 gallon of water
Extra flashlight
Extra batteries for radio and flashlight
1 bottle juice
Week 18
1 gallon of water
Work gloves
Dust masks
Chlorine bleach
Garbage bags and ties
Week 19
1 gallon of water
Plastic sheeting
Plastic bucket and lid
Disinfectant
Notepad and pen
Week 20
2 boxes dry cereal
Box graham crackers
Whistle
Duct tape
1 pkg energy snacks
Week 21
Comfort foods
Scissors
Extra blankets
Small pillows
Water container
