Disaster Survival Kit and Emergency “Bug Out Bag” Checklist

Since disaster can strike at any time then your family needs to be prepared. Here are some emergency essentials you may need to have ready to go just in case.

1. Build a Disaster Survival Kit.

This video from the American Red Cross will help teach you to know how to build a disaster survival kit and are some things to consider for your home in case of an emergency.

Let’s Make a Survival Kit | American Red Cross

2. Make an Emergency Escape Plan.

Emergency Preparedness: How to Prepare an Evacuation Plan | Travelers

Identify All of the Emergency Exits
Establish a Meeting Place or Rendezvous Point(s)
Choose an Out of Area Contact Person(s)
Inform Friends and Family of Your Plan
CLICK HERE to Learn More About the Red Cross’s Fire Escape Plan.

3. Be Informed of the Different Types of Potential Disaster Emergencies.

Fire or Wildfire
Flooding
Storms
Terrorism
CLICK HERE to Learn About More These as well as Different Types of Potential Disaster Emergencies.

4. Communication Devices

Spare Cell Phone, Battery, and Phone Charger
Battery-powered or Hand Crank Radio and a NOAA Weather Radio With Tone Alert (and Extra Batteries for Both)
Pen/Pencil and Paper
Two Way Radios
Whistle

5. First Aid Kit

Antibiotics
Antiseptic Wipes
Aspirin
Bandages
Cold Packs
CPR Protector
Stitching Needle and Thread
Tweezers
First Aid Book or Reference Material
A book on CPR is better than nothing, but call the American Red Cross and get some training!
Reference Material on Native Plants
Identify Which Plants are Edible, Poisonous, and Medicinal

6. Food and Water

Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, but 3 months would be much better.
Infant Formula
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
Charcoal Filtration System to Purify Contaminated Water
Rain Catching Device
Household Chlorine Bleach and Medicine Dropper
When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

7. Personal Hygiene

Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Feminine Supplies
Diapers
Toilet Paper

8. Prescriptions

Medications
Eye Glasses
Contact Lenses and Solution

9. Sleeping Bag or Warm Blankets for Each Person

10. Clothing Appropriate for Harsh Conditions

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
Consider additional clothing for cold-weather climates.

11. Fire Proof Safe for Sensitive Personal Information

Financial Documents and Identification – Ideally stored in a portable waterproof container
Birth Certificates
Social Security Cards
Spare Identification Cards
Banking and Credit Card Information
Insurance Policies
Wills
Cash
Traveler’s Checks
Silver or Gold Coins
- Dimes, Quarters, and Half Dollars were all made of 90% silver until 1964, so always check your spare change and hang on to them because they can be essential for bartering if need be.
- In 2013 a 1964 Quarter has a silver value of just over $4.00 rather than 25 cents.