One of the primary lessons learned in the aftermath of the Katrina disaster is the need for individual households to have preparedness supplies on hand for a minimum of 72 hours. The magnitude of many disasters is such that government agencies and health organizations simply cannot respond quickly enough to provide food, shelter and first aid supplies to all of those affected.
The following checklist represents the basic household requirements needed to get you through the critical first 72 hours after disaster strikes.
Your household 72 hour plan should include the following:
• First Aid • Food and Water • Extra Clothing • Blankets and Sleeping Bags • Lights and Radio • Personal Hygiene • Basic Tools • Shelter • Medications
First Aid
- Well stocked First Aid Kit including a First Aid manual - Extra dressings, anti-infection ointments and burn creams - Insect repellent - Sun block - Pair of scissors - Bottle of hydrogen peroxide
Food and Water
- Lightweight stove and extra fuel supply - 3200 calories of food per day for each individual in your family - Canned goods and foods in re-sealable pouches - Can opener and basic eating utensils - Gallon of water per day per person in pouches or plastic containers - Water purification tablets or filter - High energy bars - Zip lock bags - Trash bags - Cooking container
Extra Clothing
- At least one complete change of clothing for each individual - Extra socks and footwear - Waterproof garments like slickers, ponchos or jackets - Hats or protective headgear
Blankets and Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping bag for each individual - Extra blankets - Waterproof ground cover
Lights and Radio
- AM/FM radio with extra batteries or solar powered radio - Flashlights with extra batteries - Lantern with extra batteries - Lightsticks - Candles with plenty of waterproof matches - Emergency flares or signaling device - Whistle or airhorn
Personal Hygiene
- Personal hygiene materials including soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes, eyewash, Q-tips and sanitary napkins - Paper towels and tissues - Toilet paper - Portable toilet or Honey Pot
