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The American Red Cross has a wealth of information on building a family disaster kit to help in the critical 72-hour period following a devastating natural or man-made disaster.

According to Preparing for Disaster, a publication developed by the American Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, six basics should be stocked up on: food, first-aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items.

Water should be stored in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles and containers that can decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles, should be avoided. At least one gallon of drinking water per person per day is recommended.

A three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water should be included. The following foods should be in a disaster supply kit: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned juices, staples such as salt sugar, pepper and spices, high energy foods, vitamins, food for infants and comfort/stress foods.

A first-aid kit should include adhesive bandages of various sizes; sterile dressings, roller gauze bandages, triangular bandages, sterile gauze pads, rolls of cohesive bandages, germicidal hand wipes, or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, large medical grade non-latex gloves, adhesive tape, anti-bacterial ointment, a cold pack, tweezers, scissors and other first aid items.

Tools and supplies should include mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, an emergency preparedness manual, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, cash or travelers’ checks, change, non-electric can opener, a utility knife, a small fire extinguisher rated ABC, a tube tent, pliers, tape, a compass, matches in a waterproof container, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, a signal flare and other items.

Copies of American Red Cross Community Disaster Education materials are available at local American Red Cross Chapters and the entire family disaster kit can be viewed on the American Red Cross’ website at www.redcross.org.

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