Survival kit: Stock up on essentials for a disaster
Survival kit — Use this checklist to get ready for a pandemic.
In a disaster or during a health emergency such as a flu pandemic, keep in mind that neighborhood grocery stores and gas stations may run out of supplies. Essential services such as electricity, telephone and health care may be disrupted or shut down. Be prepared by assembling a survival kit to get you through these tough times.
You should have supplies to last everyone in your household — including pets — at least two weeks. Store supplies in a cool, dry place in easy-to-carry containers in case there's a need to evacuate. Check and replace any supplies past their expiration dates. Adapt this supply list to suit your specific needs.
| SURVIVAL KIT CHECKLIST | |
|---|---|
| Water | |
| Plan on 1 gallon per person per day, for drinking and for sanitation. | |
| Food | |
| Select foods that require no refrigeration, have a long shelf life, and require little or no water to prepare. This may include ready-to-eat canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit and crackers. | |
| Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils | |
| Hygiene and sanitation | |
| N95 respiratory masks or comparable make | |
| Moist towelettes | |
| Alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer | |
| Toothpaste and toothbrush | |
| Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels | |
| Garbage bags, heavy duty, and ties | |
| Prescribed medications | |
| Store at least a one-month supply. | |
| First-aid kit | |
| First-aid book | |
| Rubber gloves | |
| Cleansing agent (soap or towelettes) | |
| Antibiotic ointment and burn ointment | |
| Cold packs | |
| Adhesive bandages, cotton balls and swabs | |
| Sterile dressing, tape and elastic wrap | |
| Thermometer | |
| Tweezers, sharp scissors, spoon | |
| Eyewash solution | |
| Medication for fever and pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen | |
| Anti-diarrheal medication | |
| Antihistamines | |
| Tools | |
| Manual can opener | |
| Eating utensils | |
| Flashlight | |
| Light sticks | |
| Radio, battery powered | |
| Batteries | |
| Matches, in waterproof container | |
| Duct tape | |
| Knife | |
| Wrench or pliers | |
| Additional items | |
| Cash and coins | |
| Special needs such as inhalers, contact lenses, extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries | |
| Copies of credit cards, bank numbers, important documents, medical prescriptions, driver's licenses and passports | |
| Keys, extra sets | |
| Feminine hygiene supplies | |
| Infant supplies | |
| Recreational materials | |
| Food and supplies for pets | |
| Writing supplies | |
| Items for evacuation | |
| Blankets or sleeping bags | |
| Change of clothing and footwear | |
| Bathing supplies | |
| Raincoat | |
| Local maps | |
©1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Terms of use.
marleen7
its people like you that are so negative, never have a good word to say . especially about the president of the united states. don't see you running for one of the hardest jobs ever in the united state . how about putting your time and effort in trying to come up with ways to help the situation instead of blowing hot air. you should be glad we have the gift of freedom of speech cause in any other country what your saying would be called treason. the***** happened before our new president was in office he's just trying to clean up after bush. your just a mouth that mumbles but does nothing about the issue glad the world isn't filled with marlene7...........
oh but my favorite is blaming the president! lol!!!!! It is clear that this was his big plan!! Lets get everyone sick with the flu. I see him in his lair now plotting the fall of his country. First we'll start with the swine flu then we'll set out a strain of a very deadly toe nail fungus! SAVE YOURSELVES! LOL! just wash your hands people and stay home if your sick. If your boss has a problem with it, go into his or her office while coughing and ask him about his or her weekend. End the meeting with a very friendly handshake!
Most Popular on MSN Health & Fitness
MSN Health & Fitness does not provide medical or any other health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.
