Your 7-week guide to creating an emergency supply kit to see your family through the first 72 hours after a disaster until basic services may be restored.

Your Weekly List at a Glance

	A battery-powered radio with extra batteries to receive emergency information.
	Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns with extra batteries-don't use candles as they pose a serious fire risk.
	Water to last three days-at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Start with one gallon this week.

Tips for Week One

• Start with these items that our local emergency responders consider most critical to getting you through the first 72 hours until basic services may be restored.
• Don't be overwhelmed by a huge list of items. We've identified the most important ones. Just buy a few items each week for seven weeks, and you'll be prepared for the most likely emergencies.
• Commercially bottled water is recommended to ensure safety. Replace before "use by" date expires.

Your Weekly List at a Glance

	Manual can opener
	First Aid Kit - should include gauze and bandages, tweezers, scissors and antiseptic ointment
	Airtight bags, storage containers, and a permanent marker
	Extra prescription medications, and glasses, or contact lens solution
	Bring home another gallon of water
	Non-perishable food - start with a few cans of meat, fruits, peanut butter and crackers.
	Plastic sheeting, tarp, and duct tape

Tips for Week Two

• Even if you have supplies throughout your house, it's important to keep an emergency supply kit in a designated place in case you have to leave your home quickly.
• Consider having at least two emergency supply kits - one at home and one in your vehicle.
• Rotate your stock of food, water, medicines and batteries every six months to ensure freshness.

Your Weekly List at a Glance

	Dust filter masks
	Whistle to signal for help
	Finish buying water - at least one gallon per person per day
	Cash and important family documents like copies of credit cards, insurance policies and deeds. Consider a water/fire proof container in your "go bag"
	Regular household bleach, unscented, and an eye dropper - 16 drops to disinfect one gallon of water
	Juice - single-serve size is best since you may not have refrigeration
	Nutrition/high energy bars

Tips for Week Three

• Plan and discuss how you will escape your home in case of fire or a sudden emergency.
• Tap water may need to be purified with bleach following a disaster.
• Plan to have at least one can of meat or main entree´ for each family member per day.
• Select two places to meet with your family after an emergency or disaster-one near your home and the other outside of your neighborhood in case it's not safe to return.

Your Weekly List at a Glance

	Disposable camera with flash to document damage
	Utility knife and/or scissors
	Trash bags - heavy duty
	Matches in waterproof container
	Sanitizing wipes
	Extra set of car and house keys
	Fruit - canned or snack-pack

Tips for Week Four

• Pack a "go bag" with a condensed version of your home emergency kit in case you need to relocate temporarily. If evacuating a note with detailed information.
• Dried fruit can be a good substitute for canned fruit.
• Stay in the habit of keeping your gas tank half full and keeping your cell phone charged.
• If you evacuate, remember your home or car phone charger.

Your Weekly List at a Glance

	Gloves - latex/non-latex
	Plastic or paper plates, cups and utensils
	Canned vegetables, soup/stew
	Toilet paper and paper towels
	Travel sizes of personal hygiene items - dental care, soap, feminine care, deodorant, etc.
	Disinfectant - non-aerosol
	Supplies for baby, elderly, or disability needs

Tips for Week Five

• Select an emergency contact person outside of the area for family members to call in case they are separated.
• Keep a copy of this seven-weeks list in your car to have handy when shopping. Check off items as you go.
• Make sure that all adults and teens in the family know how to turn off water and electric utilities. Always have a professional turn them back on. 
• Never use a portable home generator in an enclosed area. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

Your Weekly List at a Glance

	Blankets and small pillows
	Towels
	Extra clothing, outerwear and comfortable footwear
	Small photo album with current photos of family members and pets
	Assorted crackers and nuts (low-salt or salt-free are best to reduce thirst)

Tips for Week Six

• Do you have home fire extinguishers (rated ABC)? Ask your local volunteer fire company to show you how to check them and when to replace them.
• Use a permanent marker to label storage containers. Circle or mark expiration dates and plan to rotate supplies every six months - perhaps in the spring and fall when you change the clocks.

Your Weekly List at a Glance

	Small tool kit including wrench or pliers to shut off utilities, plus a hammer and nails
	Signal flares
	Insect repellant
	Sunscreen
	Granola or dry cereal
	Food and extra water for pets
	Fire extinguisher

Tips for Week Seven

• Print out emergency references pages from Ready? Set? Good. web site and keep in your emergency kit.
• Include pets in your plan. The Humane Society has pet preparedness tips for your pets.
• Take your "go bag" along on vacation.

Congratulations!

You now have a basic 72-hour home emergency preparedness kit. Practice your family plan and look for more information on our web site.

More Information

• Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 410-887-5996
• Senior Information and Assistance, 410-887-2594

Revised August 26, 2009