HOME AND SHELTER-IN-PLACE KIT
After a disaster, it’s best to remain in your own home if you can do so safely. You will need supplies for cooking, making temporary repairs and providing comfort for your family. The emergency supplies should be kept separate from the things you normally use, to ensure they are available and in working order.
BASIC
■ POTABLE (DRINKABLE) WATER: 4 litres per person per day for at least 7 days, plus water for pets.
■ FOOD, EMERGENCY STOVE AND COOKING
EQUIPMENT: A variety of long-storing healthy foods that do not need refrigeration and are easy to prepare and eat under difficult conditions, such as nutritious canned food.
■ HEALTH AND SAFETY: Home first aid kit and first aid manual; power failure lights for halls/stairwells; fire extinguishers.
■ COMMUNICATIONS: A landline phone that operates on a phone jack and does not require electrical power (corded phone) or an emergency radio (battery- or solar-powered, or wind-up).
■ HEAT, LIGHT AND WARMTH: Sleeping bags (much warmer than regular bedding, Mylar blankets, ground sheets or air mattresses, newspaper
(for insulation); camping tent or tarpaulin and ropes (in case house is unsafe and there are no other alternatives); flashlights with lots of batteries, light sticks, battery-powered or solar lanterns.
■ SANITATION AND HAND-WASHING: Duct tape, lots of plastic garbage bags, emergency toilet kit, disposable gloves, outside garbage can for disposal of waste bags, toilet paper, baby wipes, liquid soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, potable water and paper towels.
■ RESCUE, REPAIR AND CLEAN UP: Tarpaulins, nylon ropes, duct tape, plastic sheeting and/ or large garbage bags; axe, crowbar, hacksaw; aluminium shut-off wrench for gas meter; head lamp, work gloves, dust masks, coveralls, sturdy shoes, goggles, rags, non-permeable disposable gloves, clean utility water (non drinkable), detergents, and large, clear plastic garbage bags for taping over broken windows.
■ HOUSEHOLD GENERATOR AND FUEL: Especially for needs such as refrigerated medication, medical appliances and equipment, etc. Generators must never be operated in the house or other enclosed space. Generators may be a target for theft if left unattended.