How to assemble a basic portable emergency supply kit

A portable, basic emergency supply kit should include these items:

WATER: One gallon of water per person per day. Three days worth for one person equals three gallons. This will be used for drinking and sanitation. In addition, your emergency supply kit should contain the chemicals or equipment necessary to make potable (suitable for drinking) water. There are chemical products available that can be added to questionable water; iodine tablets kill bacteria and other organisms in the water that would otherwise cause extreme illness. Mechanical devices are also available to filter dirty water, making water safer to drink. These items can be found in most outdoor or military surplus stores. These items can also be purchased through on-line Internet sites.

FOOD: Each person will need at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking. The food should require little or no water to prepare. Avoid salty foods, as they will make you thirsty. Pack a manual can opener!

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruits
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• Foods for infants (Food for pets, extra water for pets)
• Comfort foods
• Commercially preprated self heating MRE's
• Pouches or small cans of tuna
• MANUAL CAN OPENER: Can’t stress enough the need for a manual CAN OPENER! 

MATCHES: Carry matches in a water-proof, airtight container. Additional items under this listing can include fire/heat starter devices easily acquired and purchased in any camping/outdoor store or military surplus store. Hotties (hand and foot warmers).

WHISTLE TO SIGNAL FOR HELP

BATTERY-POWERED OR HAND CRANK RADIO

CELL PHONE CHARGER (some are solar powered)

DUCT TAPE AND PLASTIC SHEETING: Duct tape has many creative uses. Plastic sheeting along with duct tape can be used to quickly build a makeshift shelter from wind, rain, or extreme heat and solar radiation.

WRENCH, PLIERS, HAMMER (and nails): These items can be used to turn off utilities, construct a makeshift shelter, or fix damaged mechanical devices or other implements.

DUST MASK: A dust mask helps to filter contaminated air (particles present in the air, such as airborne dust, dirt, dry chemicals or powders, volcanic ash). Wearing a mask can also minimize the chance of contracting contagious, airborne viruses, diseases, or bacterial infections.

Please consider how these important items are going to be stored. Should they be carried in one or more backpacks? Should the emergency supplies be stored in an air-tight plastic container, like a picnic cooler? Should they be stored in the trunk or storage compartment of a vehicle? Where will the emergency supplies be stored when not in use, yet easily accessible when quickly needed? Each resident or family needs to prepare its own emergency supply strategy.
 

BASIC FIRST-AID KIT

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CONSIDER ADDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT