Get a Kit
During an emergency, you might not have access to food, water or electricity for some time. By preparing an emergency kit before a disaster, you can provide for your entire household- including pets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* recommends including the following in an emergency kit.
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*Project funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The views expressed on this website do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.
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- Water. Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in any emergency. A normal, active person needs to drink at least a half gallon of water each day. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store at least an additional half-gallon per person, per day for this. And don't forget to take pets and service animals into account as well.
- Food. Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food for each member of your family. Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supplies for two weeks, the CDC recommends considering a supply that would last that long.
- Items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk and medications that do not require refrigeration.
- Items for seniors, disabled persons or anyone with serious allergies. Include special foods, denture item, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, prescription and non-prescription medications that are used regularly, inhalers and other essential equipment.
- Several flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Kitchen accessories such as a manual can opener, mess kits or disposable cups, plates and utensils; utility knife; sugar and salt; aluminum foil and plastic wrap; and resealable plastic bags.
- Entertainment for children, including games, books, favorite dolls and stuffed animals.
- A map of the area marked with places you could go and their telephone numbers.
Use this checklist from Ready.gov to help build your emergency kit. Keep items in easy-to-carry containers such as duffel bags, backpacks or heavy duty Tupperware bins. Label the containers clearly and store them where they would be easily accessible.
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Don't forget furry family members!
Pets will need taken care of in an emergency as well. Pet items to include in your emergency kit include:
- Food and water for at least three days for each pet
- Manual can opener
- Food and water bowls
- Depending on the pet, litter and litter box or news papers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.
- Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container.
- Pet first aid kit and first aid book
- Study leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely
- Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated.
For more information on pet preparedness, visit http://www.ready.gov/caring-animals |