After a disaster, you and members of your household may need to survive on your own for several days. To help you prepare in the event of an emergency, assemble a disaster supply kit that includes basic items your household may need for a few days — be sure to consider the unique needs of each person or pet.

Store items from your disaster supply kit in airtight plastic bags and put your entire kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or duffel bags. A basic disaster supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person, per day, for at least three days for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food) and manual can opener (if kit contains canned food)
• Hand-crank or battery-powered flashlight and radio with extra batteries
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask, plastic sheeting, and duct tape (to help filter contaminated air and to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes (for personal sanitation)
• Garbage bags and plastic ties
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Local maps
• Cash and credit cards
• Important family documents

Since Spring 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that people include additional items in their disaster kits to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other viruses. Additional emergency supplies include:

• Cloth face coverings (at least two masks per person over the age of 2)
• Soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes

For more information about building a disaster supply kit, visit Ready.gov's webpage: https://www.ready.gov/kit

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to kick off your preparedness this September. The 2020 National Preparedness Month theme is "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today."

Launched in February 2003, FEMA’s “Ready” Campaign is a National public service initiative designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.

Credit to: FEMA and Ready