Prepare your Ready Kits for Disasters

No one knows when or where a disaster might strike, so families need to take time to prepare for emergencies in advance. The Home Safety Council advises families to have both a “Ready-to-Stay” and a “Ready-to-Go” Kit to ensure they are prepared for emergencies that require sheltering in place as well as for events that require evacuation.

Finding the supplies in your home can be fun for everyone! Have a family scavenger hunt to gather the items below.

Put a check next to the items you already have and circle the things you need to buy. Some items are needed in both kits, but in different amounts.

Ready-to-Go Kit:

Every family needs to keep the following items in a backpack or duffle bag in order to be ready if an emergency situation forces them to leave home.

	One gallon of water per person
	Food that does not have to be refrigerated and a manual can opener
	Plastic/paper plates, cups and utensils
	Flashlight and extra batteries
	Battery-operated radio
	Change of clothes
	Card with your contact information and the number of someone out of state to call
	Small first aid kit
	Personal identification card
	Personal hygiene items, soap and hand sanitizer
	Store medicine you usually take near your “Ready-to-Go” Kit

Ready-to-Stay Kit:

It is equally important for families to have extra supplies on-hand in the event an emergency situation forces them to remain in the home for several days. A “Ready-to-Stay” Kit contains all of the items in the “Ready-to-Go” Kit plus a few others. Prepare a “Ready-to-Stay” Kit with the following items stored in a plastic tub or a special cabinet.

	Three gallons of water for each family member
	Canned food and snacks for at least three days and a manual can opener
	Pet food and supplies for three days
	Toilet paper
	Non-scented bleach
	Blankets
	Books and games to keep busy
	Paper and pencils