After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A Disaster Supply Kit is a collection of basic items your household may need. Use this Ready-Kit Checklist to begin building your kit.
After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs each year and update your kit as your family’s needs change
Take this quiz to see if you know the proper supplies you may need in an emergency.
As a reminder, you also need to keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded. This kit should include:
- Jumper cables
- Flares / reflective triangle
- Ice scraper
- Car cell phone charger
- Cat litter / sand for tire traction
- Seasonally appropriate clothing (i.e. winter gloves, hats boots, socks, blankets; for summer, tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirts)
Here are some additional vehicle safety tips to consider:
- Keep your gas tank full. A full tank will keep your fuel lines from freezing in extreme cold.
- Install good winter tires. Ensure that your tires have adequate tread or any jurisdiction-required chains/studs.
- Do not drive through flooded areas. Six (6) inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or possibly stall. A foot (12 inches) of water will float many cars.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
If a power line falls on your car, you are at risk of electrical shock. Stay inside your car until a trained person can remove the wire.