COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST

(Gleaned from U.S. government preparedness
literature. Consider individually each family
member's emotional physical well-being in 
your choices. Some items are one-needed only.
Distribute those amongst individual kits.)

Water
[] As much water as you can carry
   (Extra portable water:
   3-5 gallons stored for
   sanitation and drinking)
[] Method of water purification

Food
[] 72-Hour supply
[] Can opener

Warmth and shelter
[] Wind/waterproof/
   strike-anywhere matches
[] Second fire-starting method
[] Tent/shelter/plastic sheeting
[] Wool-blend blanket/sleeping bag
[] Emergency reflective blanket/bag
[] Hand and body warm packs
[] Windbreaker/poncho and hat
[] Lightweight stove and fuel

Light
[] Flashlights, extra batteries
[] Candles
[] Lightsticks
[] Headlamp

Tools
[] Pocket knife, pliers
[] Shovel or trowel
[] Hatchet or axe
[] Sewing kit
[] 50-foot (min.) nylon line
[] Duct tape
[] Extra house, car keys

First Aid
[] First-aid kit and supplies
   with attention to special
   needs like allergies, diabeties, etc.
[] Burn gel and dressings
[] Potassium iodide tablets
[] N95 respirator mask

Communications
[] NOAA Weather/AMFM radio
   with batteries or other power
[] Whistle with neck cord
[] Pencil/pen/paper pad

Hygiene
[] Toilet paper and tissues
[] Toothbrush and paste
[] Soap/sanitizer
[] Female supplies
[] Comb/brush/razor/cream
[] Moist towelettes
[] Garbage bags, plastic ties
[] Cell phone and charger
   (handcrank)
[] Wash cloth/towel

Extra Clothing
[] Complete fresh set:
   Heavy socks, underwear,
   shoes, and gloves.

Money
[] $20 to $100 dollars in
   mixed denominations plus
   half dozen quarters for 
   pay phone calls

Important Papers
[] Copies of documents important
   to your family: birth certs and 
   marriage licenses, wills, banking
   info, insurance info, phone numbers
   you might need, credit card info.

Stress Relievers
[] Games, books, hard candy,
   inspirational reading, small
   toys for kids, paper, crayons,
   favorite security items

Portable Container
[] Durable water-resistant duffel
   bag, frame pack or daypack.
   
Extras
[] More food
[] Camp stove
[] Mess kits and cooking equipment
[] Sun-block
[] Insect repellent
[] Portable toilet
[] Snake bite kit
[] Local map
[] Glasses
[] Infant needs
[] Pet food/water
[] First aid book
[] Emergency reference material

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

1 - Your kit should be in a portable container
such as a pack, 'rush bag' or large duffel
located near an exit of your house. This is so
you can grab it readily should you need to exit
quickly in an emergency. Do not overload your
kit--you may have to carry it a long distance
in search of safety and/or shelter.

2 - Each family member should have their own
kit with food, clothing and water. Having their
own flashlight helps alleviate anxiety in kids.
Distribute heavy items amongst kits.

3 - Enclose the extra clothing, matches,
personal documents, and other damageable
items in plastic. If it's raining when you
have to evacuate, you will appreciate the
dry clothes.

4 - Keep a light source in the top of your kit
so you can find it easily if the power goes out.

5 - Personalize your kit. Make sure to fulfill
the needs of each family member.

6 - Inspect your kit at six-months intervals.
Rotate food and water as necessary. Check
children's clothes for fit. Adjust clothing
for seasonal changes. Check expirations on 
batteries, lightsticks, warm packs, food and
water.

7 - Consider the needs of elderly people as
well as those with special needs. E.G., baby
diapers, washcloths, towels, ointments, 
bottles and pacifiers.

8 - Defense. It will occur to those who have 
not prepared and discover that you have, that
your stash will preserve them. 
Your choices are flight or fight.
How you choose to accomplish those are up to 
you and depend on your mindset and capabilities.
Whichever you choose, get the appropriate
equipment, develop a plan for your group,
and train, train, train.