Disaster Supply Kit

Disaster can happen anytime, anywhere. When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. A spill of hazardous material could mean immediate evacuation. A winter storm could strand your employees at work. An earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut off supplies of water, power and telephone for days. After a disaster, local officials will be on the scene, but they may not be able to reach everyone immediately. You might receive help in hours, or it may take days. Is your workplace prepared to handle the emergency until help arrives?

Your organization will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is to assemble a disaster supply kit. Once disaster hits, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. If you’ve gathered supplies in advance, your organization can better endure an evacuation or confinement. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the following disaster supplies should be maintained.

WaterKeep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation). Store water in plastic containers, and avoid containers that will break or decompose. Organizations located in hot environments should consider maintaining twice the normal drinking water supply.

FoodStore at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, no preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, maintain a supply of canned fuel or other heating source. Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, protein bars, peanut butter, crackers, etc., are excellent choices.

First Aid KitAssemble a first aid kit for your organization. The kit should include one each of the following items for every 10 people.

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

• Assorted sizes of safety pins• Cleansing agent/soap• Sterile gloves (2 pairs, latex or other)• Sunscreen• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)• Triangular bandages (3)• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3)• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3)• Scissors• Tweezers• Needle• Moist towelettes• Antiseptic• Adhesive tape• Instant ice packs• Thermometer• Tongue blades (2)• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant• Burn ointment

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Disclaimer: This material is designed and intended for general information purposes only, and is not intended, nor shall be construed or relied upon, as specific legal advice.©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2011. All rights reserved. Image courtesy of FEMA. 6181 (10-11)

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Disaster Supply Kit

For Additional InformationFederal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov

U.S. Department of Homeland Security: www.ready.gov

EMC Tech Sheets: www.emcins.com

• Emergency Action Plan

• Eyewash solution• Nonprescription drugs• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever• Antidiarrhea medication• Antacid (for stomach upset)• Laxative• Activated charcoal

Tools and SuppliesFEMA recommends having the following supplies available in the event of a disaster:

• Mess kits, or paper plates, cups and plastic utensils

• Emergency preparedness manual• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries• Flashlight and extra batteries• Nonelectric can opener• Utility knife• Fire extinguisher (ABC type)• Pliers• Duct tape• Emergency contact numbers• Matches in a waterproof container• Plastic storage containers• Aluminum foil• Signal flare• Paper & pencil• Needles & thread• Whistle• Plastic sheeting• Map of area for locating shelters• Pry bar• Hard hats• Safety glasses• Leather work gloves

Clothing and BeddingKeep a supply of blankets or sleeping bags. For additional comfort, sleeping cots could also be kept. Rain gear and winter parkas can be useful, depending on the season and the organization’s location.

SanitationKeep an adequate supply of the following items:

• Toilet paper• Moist towelettes• Soap or liquid detergent• Feminine supplies• Personal hygiene items• Plastic garbage bags & ties (for personal

sanitation uses)• Plastic bucket with tight lid• Disinfectant• Household chlorine bleach

MaintenanceYour disaster supply kit should be stored in a convenient place known to all employees. Keeping all items in airtight plastic bags will help maintain the quality and longevity of the items. Water and food supplies should be changed every six months. All batteries should be replaced annually, and the kit’s contents should be reevaluated periodically to help ensure the appropriate items are available and adequate.