Water |
1 gallon per person per day Store at least 3–5 days worth. A two-week supply is ideal. Use for drinking and sanitation. Store extra water if you have pets. Water from swimming pools and spas can be used only for flushing toilets.
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Dehydration is a serious health problem for older adults. If possible, store more than the recommended amount. Gallon jugs of water are heavy. Use containers that are small enough to easily handle, such as clean and sanitized two-liter plastic soda bottles, if you choose not to purchase commercial water storage containers. Be certain that the caps are easy to remove by persons with arthritis.
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Food |
Store at least a 3–5 day supply of non-perishable foods with selections from all food groups. Examples include: Grains - breads, dry cereals, crackers, biscuits Vegetables - canned (your favorites) Fruits -canned (in juice) and dried Milk - canned and boxed shelf-stable; consider small sizes Meat and Beans - jerky, canned beans, canned tuna and chicken, shelf-stable chicken, nuts and seeds, peanut and nut butters
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Consider special dietary needs, such as low-sodium, high-fiber, or other special foods. Store small cans of food that can be eaten at one meal or snack. Have a manual can opener that is easy to use.
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First Aid Kits: |
To assemble your own first aid kit, include the following: Adhesive bandages, various sizes Sterile dressings Conforming roller gauze bandages Triangular bandages Sterile gauze pads, various sizes Cotton balls Cohesive bandage roll Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer Antiseptic wipes Medical grade non-latex gloves Adhesive tape Anti-bacterial ointment Cold pack Thermometer Scissors (small, personal) Tweezers Assorted sizes of safety pins CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield Sunscreen Flashlight and extra batteries Whistle to signal for help
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Buy a prepared kit and add anything different that you might need. If using a kit you have, restock used or expired supplies.
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Contacts: List of whom to notify in an emergency |
All doctors names, phone numbers, addresses, and what they treat you for (e.g. cardiologist) Phone numbers of a few in and out-of-town relatives or close friends Keep all of these lists in a waterproof plastic bag or container.
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Important papers |
Identification cards Insurance cards Birth/death/marriage certificates Social security card Bank account and credit card information Keep all documents in waterproof plastic bags or containers.
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Also include: |
Electronics |
Battery-powered radio and/or television Cell phone and chargers for the house and car Extra batteries for each electronic device
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Battery-powered wheel chair Learn how to connect and start backup power supply for wheel chair or other necessary medical equipment. Have a manual wheelchair for backup.
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Time passers |
Board games, puzzles, playing cards Books Paper and pens for letters and notes; envelopes and stamps Sewing, crocheting, knitting supplies
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Medical needs |
Lists of prescription medications and dosage Doctors' and pharmacy phone numbers and addresses Extra glasses Pain relievers Stomach medicine Poison-response drugs Supplements Check expiration dates and replace as needed.
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Extra hearing aid batteries Medical alert tag or bracelet Wheel chair batteries List of serial numbers and styles of medical devices (i.e. pacemakers) Photocopies of all prescription drugs with dosage, directions, interactions, refill dates Consult with your doctor about which non-prescription drugs and supplements are safe for you. Minimum 2-week supply of all essential medications
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People with special needs |
Persons with diabetes Keep travel packs of insulin in the refrigerator. Testing supplies (enough for at least 2 weeks) Extra batteries for your meter Insulin-delivery supplies Insulin Lancets and Lancing device Oral medications Quick-acting source of glucose Extra glucagon emergency kit Medical waste container for used needles Keep insulin as cool as possible; if on ice, be careful not to freeze. If necessary, insulin may be stored at room temperature (59°F–86°F) for 28 days. Do not use insulin that clumps or sticks to the side of the bottle.
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Persons with Alzheimer's Register with local police and fire departments. ID bracelet or necklace indicating special or peculiar behaviors (e.g., memory loss) Written instructions for reaching family members, friends, and physicians.
Bed-Bound Persons Emergency transportation plan Supplies of daily care items - bed pads, adult diapers, linens (enough for at least 2 weeks) Dietary needs
Oxygen-Dependent Persons with Incontinence |
Emotional support/ Stress reduction |
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Keep a journal about your experience. Form an informal 'support group' to share concerns and information. Write letters to your grandchildren or other family and friends.
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Pets |
Extra food in plastic containers Carrier ID tags (2 sets, one on the animal and one extra) with name and your contact information Proof of ownership (e.g., registration papers and pictures) Medications and pet first aid supplies Medical and vaccination records Veterinarian's phone number and address
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Evacuation |
Have backpacks handy to put supplies, clothing, and bedding in if you must evacuate or move to a shelter. Plan in advance for someone to care for your pet if pets not welcome at shelter.
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