You can't always predict when a disaster might strike. But you can be prepared for one. An emergency supply kit with food, water and other essentials can help give you peace of mind.
According to the <a href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=fema" target="_blank">Federal Emergency Management Agency</a> and the <a href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=redcross" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>, your kit should contain supplies to last for at least three days. It should include:
<ul>
 <li>1 gallon of water per person per day.</li>
 <li>Nonperishable food, a manual can opener, mess kits or paper plates, cups and utensils.</li>
 <li>Flashlights and extra batteries.</li>
 <li>A battery- or crank-powered radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries.</li>
 <li>A first aid kit.</li>
 <li>A whistle you can use to signal for help.</li>
 <li>Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation use. </li>
 <li>Dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape.</li>
 <li>A wrench or pliers for turning off utilities.</li>
 <li>Local maps.</li>
 <li>Sleeping bags or warm blankets, a change of clothes, and sturdy shoes for each person.</li>
 <li>Personal hygiene supplies such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, deodorant, shampoo and feminine products.</li>
 <li>Chlorine bleach (regular household bleach&mdash;not scented, color safe or with added cleaners) that contains 5.25% to 6% sodium hypochlorite, which can be used for disinfecting. Add 1/8 teaspoon of plain bleach&nbsp;per gallon of water. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight bleach odor.</li>
 <li>Matches in a waterproof container.</li>
 <li>Cash or traveler's checks.</li>
 <li>An extra set of car keys and copies of your ID, passport, credit cards and bank accounts.</li>
</ul>
Those are some of the basics. If your family includes an infant, pets or others with special needs, you might also want to add:
<ul>
 <li>Diapers and formula.</li>
 <li>Extra prescription medications.</li>
 <li>Denture items, hearing aid batteries, spare glasses, and contacts and contact solution.</li>
 <li>Pet food and extra water.</li>
 <li>Games, books and toys for your children.</li>
</ul>
Stow your kit in airtight plastic bags, and then place them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a duffle bag. That way, if you need to evacuate, it will be easy to grab your supplies at a moment's notice.
Rotate your supplies on a regular basis, so they don't expire. Replace food and bottled water before the best-by date. And don't forget that batteries will need to be replaced regularly too.
Consider making a kit for your home, car and workplace, since you never know where you'll be when an emergency strikes. 
For more information on preparing for disasters, visit <a href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=ready" target="_blank">ready.gov</a>.
Reviewed 11/30/2023

Be disaster-prepared: Make an emergency supply kit

What to have on hand.