Are you prepared?
Safety Kit For the House
Be prepared for storm season, power outages and other seasonal weather. Here’s what to include:
- Gallon jugs of water (at least one per person for at least three days)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Aloe vera gel (or other sunburn soothers)
- A fully stocked first aid kit
- Dried or canned food (for at least three days)
- Can opener
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A few extra rolls of paper towels
- Infant food or formula (if needed)
- Pain relief items and other necessary medication
- Spare cell phone charger, preferably one that works without a power outlet
- Battery or hand crank–powered weather radio
- Blankets (one for each person)
- Tool kit
- Duct Tape
- Local Maps
- Deck of cards, coloring book, cross-word puzzle book, or a book. (these items will help pass the time)
- Snow removal tools – gloves, shovels, deicer
- Small denominations of cash
- Safety Masks
- Extra trashbags
This kit should be stored in a large plastic tote or a bag in an easily accessible place.
Don’t forget to create a file of all the important documents you should have in your kit or go-bag.
HOUSEHOLD IDENTIFICATION
- Vital records (birth, marriage, divorce certificate, adoption, child custody papers)
- Passport, driver’s license Social Security card, green card, military service identification, other
- Pet ownership papers, identification tags
FINANCIAL AND LEGAL DOCUMENTATION
- Housing: lease or rental agreement, mortgage, home equity line of credit, deed
- Vehicle: loan documents, VIN, registration, title
- Other Financial Obligations: utility bills, credit cards, student loans, alimony, child support, elder care, automatic payments such as gym memberships
- Financial Accounts: checking, savings, debit cards, retirement, and investment
- Insurance Policies: homeowners, renters, auto, life, flood, appraisals, photos, and lists of valuable items
- Sources of Income: pay stubs, government benefits, alimony, child support
- Tax Statements: Federal/state income tax returns, property tax, vehicle tax
- Estate Planning: will, trust, power of attorney
MEDICAL INFORMATION
- Health/dental insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA health benefits
- List of medications, immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, medical equipment and devices, pharmacy information
- Living will, medical power of attorney
- Caregiver agency contract or service agreement
- Disabilities documentation
- Contact information for doctors/specialists, dentists, pediatricians, veterinarians
EMERGENCY OR HOTLINE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR HOUSEHOLD
- Employers/supervisors
- Schools
- Houses of worship
- Social service providers
- Homeowners Associations/Neighborhood Contact
Safety Kit for the Car
Prepare for days at the park, road trips, and impromptu picnics by gathering the following supplies:
- Water bottles
- Extra sunblock
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Granola bars or protein bars
- Bug spray
- Bandages and other first aid items
- Aloe vera gel
- Basic tool kit
- Duct Tape
- Deicer
- Ice Scraper
- Blanket
- Change of clothes
- Extra shoes
Additional Resources