Andrew’s Note:  The following information on Emergency Kits is from the Ready Army Website.  Ready Army is an organization almost like the Army’s own little FEMA.  I thought you might enjoy a military take on a Family Emergency Kit.  Enjoy Emergency Kits from Ready Army.

All personnel should maintain a basic level of preparedness for all potential hazards.

You are encouraged to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about what might happen.

EMERGENCY KITS

To prepare your family for an emergency, assemble one or more emergency kits that include enough supplies for at least three days. Think of items that have multiple uses and are long lasting. Keep a kit prepared at home and consider also having kits in your car, at work and a portable version in your home ready to take with you.

These kits will enable you and your family to respond to an emergency more quickly. Your various emergency kits will be useful whether you have to shelter in place or evacuate.

What to Put in Your Basic Home Kit

Necessary:

• Water—at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days

• Food—nonperishable food for at least three days (select items that require no preparation, refrigeration or cooking such as high energy foods and ready-to-eat canned meat, vegetables, fruit)

• Manual can opener (if the food is canned), preferably on a multi-tool

• Reusable plates, cups, utensils, saucepan (note, a metal bowl can double as a cup or plate)

• First aid kit

• Prescription medications and medical equipment/care aids

• N95- or N100-rated dust masks

• Personal sanitation supplies, such as moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties

• Hand-crank or battery operated flashlight

• Hand-crank radio or battery operated cell phone charger

• All-hazards NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio

• Extra batteries at the size required

• Brightly colored plastic poncho (can be used as shelter, clothing or a marker)

• Weather appropriate clothing to keep your family warm and dry

• Cash in the local currency

• Any tools needed for turning off utilities

• Local maps and your family emergency plan

• Your command reporting information – know the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPAAS)

• Important documents, including will, medical and financial power of attorney, property documents, medical instructions

• Emergency preparedness handbook

Additional considerations

• Infant formula and diapers if you have young children

• Pets supplies, including food, water, medication, leash, travel case and documents

• Disinfectant

• Matches or flint in a waterproof container

• Sleeping bag or other weather-appropriate bedding for each person

• Coats, jackets and rain gear

• Fire extinguisher

• Paper and pencil

• Books, games, puzzles, toys and other activities for children

• Any items necessary for a specific type of disaster

Additional items that can be essential for those stationed abroad:

• Passports

• Birth abroad certificates for children born overseas

• Cash in the local currency

• Card with local translations of basic terms

• Electrical current converter

Portable Emergency Kit

• Take this kit with you when you are ordered to evacuate.

• •Place items in a designated area that will be easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

• Make sure every member of your family knows where the kit is.

• •If you are required to shelter in place, keep this kit with you.

• •Consider adding enough supplies to last two weeks.

Store your emergency kit in an easily accessible area such as a cupboard by the door and make sure everyone in your family knows where it is.

Consider whether your area is likely to face a specific threat. If your home is prone to flooding, store your kit upstairs. If you face tornados, think about storing your kit in the basement.

Workplace Emergency Kit