___ Battery-powered radio w/ batteries

___ Flashlights or battery-powered lantern w/ batteries

___ Water to last three days, at least one gallon per person per day

___ Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable items (canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, cookies, candy)

___ Manual can opener

___ First aid supplies (sterile gauze and bandages, safety pins, tweezers, a needle, scissors, antiseptic ointment, petroleum jelly and sunscreen)

___ A watertight, portable container for important papers.

___ Blankets

___ Prescription medications (if you take them)

___ Infant formula, diapers and wipes (for those with babies)

___ Pet supplies

___ Non-prescription drugs (pain relievers, antacids, antidiarrheals, etc.)

___ Toilet paper

___ Paper towels

___ Bleach (16 drops of bleach will disinfect a gallon of water)

___ Disinfectant

___ Personal hygiene supplies

___ Feminine supplies

___ Plastic sheeting and duct tape

___ Dust mask

___ Garbage bags

___ Signal flare

___ Whistle

___ Matches in a waterproof container

___ Jumper cables

___ Tire chains or traction mats

___ Maps

___ Toys and games for kids

A 7-Week Plan

You may want to consider this plan, developed by Baltimore County, for building a complete preparedness kit by purchasing a few items every week for seven weeks (external site).

For more information:
Barbara Herron, bherron@baltometro.org or 410-732-9564.