Build Your Emergency Supply Kit

Week 5: First Aid

  • Aspirin or acetaminophen
    Pill bottles
    Assemble everything you need for a robust emergency kit by buying or collecting a few items each week over the course of three months. Here is the second of three shopping lists to help you gather supplies. See last month’s issue for the first list.
  • Hot and cold compresses
  • Bandages, gauze and first-aid tape
  • Hand and dish soap, hand sanitizer, etc.

Week 5: Bonus

  • Check with your child’s school about their emergency and disaster plans

Week 6: Grocery Store

  • 1 gallon water per person
  • 2 cans ready-to-eat soup
  • 1 can fruit and 2 cans vegetables

Week 6: Bonus

  • Have a home fire drill
  • Take family pictures to put in emergency kit

Week 7: First Aid

  • Scissors, tweezers, sewing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Medical device batteries (e.g. hearing aids, etc.)
  • Additional supply of medications (1 to 3 months)

Week 7: Bonus

  • Put shoes and a flashlight under your bed so they are onhand during an emergency

Week 8: Hardware and Supplies

  • Water purification (e.g., tablets, filters, bleach)
  • Heavy-duty garbage bags
  • Waterproof container for vital documents
  • Portable radio with batteries

Week 8: Bonus

  • As applicable, store a spare set of glasses or contact lenses and saline solution; make a copy of any prescriptions