Assembling a Disaster Supply Kit
Many thanks to Benjamin Amyes, Disaster Response Manager in the Emergency Response Unit of the San Francisco Human Services Agency for generously sharing his tips on easily and affordably assembling a disaster supply kit!
Interested in learning Psychological First Aid (PFA) skills so you can help others cope after a disaster and strengthen your own resilience? Schedule a class in PFA through the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Email phepr.dph.org or call (415) 558-5991.
AN EASY WAY TO ASSEMBLY YOUR DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
Putting together a disaster supply kit can seem overwhelming, which is why many people do not do it. Premade kits are available, but can be expensive. A disaster supply kit is best when it is tailored to the needs of your own situation. Here is a guide on how to assemble a kit that will meet your needs. Stock the kit with items that you like. If someone in your family has a nut allergy, replace peanut butter with something else. Buy items that are best suited to you, and follow the schedule.
Spread it out over time and it is easier. Plan for the special needs for any infants, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and pets. Have enough cash in small bills as the ATM’s will be down till the power is restored. If you know how to use a camping stove, remember the fuel BUT camping stoves are NOT recommended for apartment dwellers or indoor cooking! Think about any tools that would be helpful. In eight weeks or less, you will be ready to go.
Involve the kids. Go to garage sales, have them look through the cabinets, or find things at a local swap meet. Make it fun and have them take part in creating it.
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DISASTER SUPPLY KIT |
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WEEK ONE |
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Locate an easily accessible space |
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Purchase a large water tight container |
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WEEK TWO |
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Water: Determine the amount of water your situation will require. Each person requires one gallon of water per day. Include pets. Divide the amount so you will have enough in eight weeks. |
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Food- ready to eat (3 cans of tuna) |
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Cooking Utensils - can opener |
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Make copies of important documents & phone numbers |
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WEEK THREE |
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Water |
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Food- ready to eat (3 cans of fruit & 1 box of cereal) |
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Cooking utensils- spoons, cups |
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Heavy work gloves |
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Bleach |
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WEEK FOUR |
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Water |
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Cash |
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Food- ready to eat (3 cans of beans & canned meat) |
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Cooking Utensils-forks, plates, napkins, bowls |
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Warm clothes & rain gear for each family member |
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Disposable camera used to document any damage for insurance claims |
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WEEK FIVE |
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Water |
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Food- ready to eat (3 cans of soup & crackers) |
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Cooking utensils- camping stove |
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Unscented household bleach & eye dropper (for water purification) |
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Blankets & sleeping bags |
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WEEK SIX |
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Water |
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Food- ready to eat (Dried fruit & bottle juices) |
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Cooking Utensils - salt, pepper& any other spices |
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Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer & soap |
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Cash |
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Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows |
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WEEK SEVEN |
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Water |
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Food- ready to eat (2 jars of peanut butter w/ jam & nonfat dry milk) |
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Cooking utensils |
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Tools: crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench & bungee cords |
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Large heavy duty bags |
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WEEK EIGHT |
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Water |
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Food - ready to eat (cookies & crackers) |
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Cooking utensils - any missing items that can be used. |
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Prescription medications and first aid supplies |
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Pet Needs |
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Cash |