Wyoming Office of Homeland Security - Making a Disaster Survival Kit

In a disaster situation, many of the things we take for granted - clean water, food, electricity - become unavailable or in short supply. This is why making a disaster survival kit is so important - it ensures you and your family will be able to take care of themselves until help arrives.
Remember that even though you may be scared during a disaster, your parents may be just as scared as you are! It's important for you to stay as calm as you can.

What is a disaster survival kit?
A disaster survival kit is a kit you and your family fill with the basic necessities for survival in the event of a disaster. These include water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding and tools and emergency supplies.

What should I put in my survival kit?

ITEM	EXPLANATION
Water	Store one gallon per person per day. Keep the water in plastic containers, but not milk containers; use two-liter plastic soda bottles or bottled water instead.
Food	Store at least a three-day supply of non- perishable food, keeping your selections as lightweight as possible; e.g., canned fruit, vegetables. Avoid salty foods. Don't forget to include a can-opener!
First Aid Kit	Include band-aids and sterile adhesive bandages of various sizes; antibacterial soap; sterile gauze 2" and 4" in size; scissors; tweezers; medications; pain relievers; and extra pairs of contact lenses or eyeglasses for family members who wear them.
Clothing	Store one extra set of shoes and clothing for each family member in the kit, making sure the clothes stored are appropriate for any weather condition. If you live in a colder climate like Wyoming, make sure the change of clothes includes a sweatshirt or jacket, a hat and gloves.
Bedding	Store one sleeping bag for each member of the family, as well as blankets and pillows.
Tools and supplies	Include paper cups, plates and plastic utensils; a utility knife; pliers; a battery-operated radio with extra batteries; duct tape; a plastic storage container; waterproof matches; and a flashlight stored with batteries inserted backward to preserve charge.
Important Family Documents	Keep the following in waterproof container to prevent damage: Will; insurance policies; contract deeds; stocks and bonds; passports; social security cards; immunization cards; bank account numbers; credit card account numbers and companies - names, addresses, and contact information; inventory of valuable household goods using photos or video for documentation; important telephone numbers; and family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Where is the best place to store my disaster kit?
An easy way to keep your items stored and ready when you need them is to divide them between one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trash can, camping backpack or duffel bag. Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.

Thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Website for providing some of the information used on this page!