All-Hazards Disaster Preparedness
Making your own Disaster Supply Kits is relatively inexpensive and the items are easy to find. Once you take a look at the basic items needed during any number of disasters, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, seniors, or family members with special medical needs. Please remember to consider all hazards when putting your Disaster Supply Kits together, consider hazards like Natural, Man-Made, and Technological. Start packing your kits today!
Public Health Hazard Preparedness Tips
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Remember that flu is still widespread and active in Georgia - it's not too late to get a flu shot. The best prevention against the flu is vaccination.
Recommended Items
- Water: One gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days (for drinking and hygiene)
- Food: At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Can opener: For food, if kit contains canned food
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
- Emergency charger for mobile devices
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle: To signal for help
- Face mask: To help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal hygiene
- Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities
- Local maps
Additional Items
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food, extra water, pet supplies, toys, and vaccination forms
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider adding bedding in cold weather.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children