USCG Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

A checklist for when the worst happens

Do you ever wonder what the world’s #1 Coast Guard tells its members to do when hurricanes approach? I mean, after all, Coast Guard personnel by the nature of their duties live by the sea!

Well, here it is. Not everyone can do all these things — but it makes sense to ask yourself, “Should I?”

It does for me. And Michael is coming (at the time of this writing).

There are six basics you should stock for your home: 1) water, 2) food, 3) first aid supplies, 4) clothing and bedding, 5) tools and emergency supplies and 6) special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

Essentials

________ Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

________ Flashlight and extra batteries (do not include candles — candles cause more fires after a disaster than anything else)

Water

Store water in plastic containers, such as large soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A person who is generally active needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount.

Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need to drink even more. Store three gallons of water per person (one gallon for each day, for each person). Keep at least a three-day supply of water (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation) for each person in the household.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno and matches. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your disaster supplies kit:

________ Ready-to-eat canned meats

________ Canned fruits, dried fruits, and nuts

________ Canned vegetables

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first-aid kit should include the following:

________ Sterile, adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

________ Assorted sizes of safety pins

________ Cleansing agent/soap

________ Latex gloves (2 pairs)

________ Sunscreen

________ 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

________ 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

________ Triangular bandages (3)

________ 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

________ 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

________ Scissors

________ Adhesive tape

________ Tweezers

________ Needle

________ Moistened towelettes

________ Antiseptic

________ Rubbing alcohol

________ Thermometer

________ Tongue blades (2)

________ Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

________ Extra eye glasses

Nonprescription Drugs

________ Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

________ Antidiarrheal medication

________ Antacid (for stomach upset)

________ Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

________ Laxative

________ Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Medical Needs

________ Heart and high blood pressure medication

________ Insulin

________ Prescription drugs

________ Denture supplies

________ Contact lenses and supplies

Sanitation

________ Toilet paper, towelettes

________ Soap, liquid detergent

________ Feminine hygiene supplies

________ Personal hygiene items

________ Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)

________ Plastic bucket with tight lid

________ Disinfectant

________ Household chlorine bleach

________ Facial tissues

Clothing and Bedding

________ One complete change of clothing and footwear per person

________ Sturdy shoes or work boots

________ Rain gear

________ Blankets or sleeping bags

________ Hat and gloves

________ Thermal underwear

________ Sunglasses

Tools and Supplies

________ Mess kits or paper cups; plates and plastic utensils

________ Cash or traveler’s checks, coins

________ Nonelectric can opener, utility knife

________ Pliers, screwdriver, hammer, crowbar, assorted nails, wood screws

________ Shutoff wrench to turn off household gas & water

________ Tape, such as duct tape

________ Compass

________ Matches in a waterproof container

________ Aluminum foil

________ Plastic storage containers

________ Signal flare

________ Paper, pencil

________ Needles, thread

________ Medicine dropper

________ Adhesive labels

________ Safety goggles

________ Heavy work gloves

________ Whistle

________ Heavy cotton of hemp rope

________ Patch kit and can of seal-in-air

________ Videocassettes

________ Disposable dust masks

________ Plastic sheeting

________ Map of the area for locating shelters

For Baby

________ Formula

________ Diapers/wipes

________ Bottles

________ Powdered formula, milk or baby food

________ Medications

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

________ Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, bonds

________ Copy of passports, Social Security cards, immunization records

________ Record of credit card accounts

________ Record of bank account numbers, names and phone numbers

________ Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers

________ Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

________ Copy of Supplemental Security Income award letter

Items for Service Animals/Pets & supplies

________ Food

________ Additional water

________ Collar, Leash/harness

________ Identification tags

________ Medications and medical records

________ Litter/pan

Entertainment

______ Games and books

Other Disaster Supplies

Assemble the supplies below in addition to your basic disaster supplies kit. Combine these with your disaster supplies kit as you need them, and store them somewhere that is easy for you to get to. These items are IMPORTANT!

________ Medications, which ones and when they should be taken

Portable Disaster Supplies Kit

________ Emergency information list/other lists

________ Small flashlight

________ Whistle/other noisemaker

________ Water

________ Extra medication

________ Copies of prescriptions

________ Extra pair of glasses

________ Hearing aid

________ Sanitary supplies

________ Pad and pencil or other writing device

Car Supplies

________ Several blankets

________ Extra set of mittens or gloves, wool socks, wool cap

________ Jumper cables and instructions

________ Small sack of sand or kitty litter for traction

________ Small shovel

________ Set of tire chains or traction mats

________ Red cloth to use as a flag

________ CB radio or cellular telephone

BTW, if you are interested in being part of USCG Forces, email me at JoinUSCGAux@aol.com or go directly to the D1SR Human Resources Department, which is in charge of new members matters, at DSO-HR and we will help you “get in this thing . . .