Home Emergency Supplies

Storage of Emergency Supplies
Some families prefer to store their emergency supplies in 1 location. Choose a place in your home, which would be relatively safe in time of an earthquake (such as a closet, under a bed or in the garage). The perishable supplies will remain stable longer if stored in a cool, dark location.
A graphic illustration of emergency supplies in a bucket - First Aid kit, Water, Canned Milk, Canned
You might need individually oriented containers. To have enough supplies for 7 days, each person in your home may have their own in their closet.

Be prepared to camp out in your back yard and/or walk to a safe site with your family.

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Importance of Being Prepared
Being prepared is thinking in terms of All Hazard / Layered approach. Use similar kits for family– car-businesses and neighborhood.

Have a plan and inform those you care for and about. Prepare with First Aid and CPR training and Citizen Emergency Response Team - C.E.R.T.


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Covered Trash Container Method
A suggested method for storing emergency supplies is to place them in a large, covered trash container. They can be layered as shown and all kept together in the large covered container. Plastic containers come in all shapes and sizes. They’re water and rodent proof and are fairly durable. Choose the size that suits your needs. Be sure the container comes with a securing lid and preferably on wheels for easy transport.

Important Note
*Note: It is best to store plastic water containers on top of the contents rather than on the bottom, where they could possibly crack and leak from the weight heavy objects placed on top of them.

Shut off gas only if you have good reason to suspect a leak.


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7 Day Survival Pack

Top of the Barrel
  • First Aid Kit
    • Dressing
      4" x 4" Gauze Pads
      Ace Bandages
      Adhesive Tape 2" Wide
      Bandaids
      Butterfly Bandages
      Cotton Tipped Swabs
      Large Triangle Bandage
      Sterile Bandage 2" Wide Roll
      Sterile Bandage 4" Wide Roll
    • Drugs
      Antibiotic Ointment
      Aspirin Tablets
      Kaopectate
      Prescription Medicines
      Syrup of Ipacac (induces vomiting)
    • Miscellaneous
      First Aid Handbook
      Petroleum Jelly
      Pocket Knife
      Scissors/Tweezers
      Thermometer
      Tissues
  • Flashlight, Radio, and Batteries
Middle of the Barrel
  • Food - 7-days supply of food that requires no refrigeration. Date all food items. Write out menu for each day. Examples:
    • Canned Orange or Tomato Juice
    • Canned tuna or Pork and Beans (1/2 lb. per person)
    • Dried Apricots (1/2 lb. per person)
    • Nonfat Dry Milk (1/2 lb. per person)
    • Peanut Butter (1/2 lb. per person)
    • Water (1-2 gallons per person per day)
    • *This supplies daily 2100 calories and essential nutrients
Bottom of the Barrel
  • Bedding
    • Sleeping Bag/Blankets
    • Plastic Sheet/Tarp
  • Clothing
    • Change of Clothes
    • Gloves
    • Jacket
    • Sturdy Shoes
  • Equipment
    • Axe
    • Bucket
    • Can Opener
    • Dishes/Utensils (disposable)
    • Dishpan
    • Radio (Battery/Solar)
    • Shovel
  • Diagram of clothes and a box being placed in a trash can.
  • Fuel and Light
    • Batteries
    • Candles
    • Flares
    • Flashlight
    • Matches
    • Sterno Cans
  • Infant Needs
    • As Applicable
  • Miscellaneous
    • Eye Dropper
    • Laundry Bleach
    • Liquid Chlorine
    • Water Purification
  • Money
    • Cash
  • Personal Documents
  • Personal Supplies
    • Good Book
    • Paper/Pencil
    • Toiletries
    • Towels
  • Tools
    • Adjustable Wrench
    • Hammer
    • Pliers
    • Pry Bar 
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  • Suggested Additional Items
    • Aluminum Foil
    • Axe/Assorted Tools
    • Bar Soap
    • Deodorant
    • Hand Towels
    • Telephone Numbers
    • Tent
    • Toys For Kids  
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    • Escape Ladder
    • Eyeglasses
    • Feminine Supplies
    • Filament Tape
    • Household Cleanser
    • Outdoor Grill/Camp Stove
    • Paper Towels, Cups, Plates
    • Smoke/CO Detectors
    • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
    Personal Documents
    Place in a plastic bag, which can be sealed and placed in your freezer.
    • Birth Certificate
    • Certificates of Authenticity (for objects of art, etc.) Household Inventory
      • Genealogy (family tree)
      • List of Contents
      • Photographs of Contents of Every Room (take photos from 2 angles of each room) Photographs of Jewelry (placed on dark cloth)
    • Health Papers
    • Insurance Policies (Health, Life and Auto) Will
    • Ownership Certificates (for autos, trailers, boats, etc.) Social Security Cards
    • Passports
    • U.S. Service Discharge Papers
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