Recent disasters like Hurricane Katrina have shown us that the government may not be able to reach you and your family as soon as disaster strikes. For this reason, everyone in the U.S. should have a 72-hour To-Go Kit that can help you get through a crisis such as a hurricane, a bioterrorism attack or an outbreak of pandemic influenza.

The To-Go Kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for three days to a week. You should keep emergency supplies in a relatively safe location would be easily accessible during an evacuation. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trash can or in suitcases, duffle bags or backpacks.


The following items are recommended all kits: 

• Battery Powered Radio
• Extra batteries
• Sleeping Bags & Blankets
• Manual Can Opener
• Waterproof/Windproof Matches
• scissors
• Non-Perishable Foods (in unbreakable containers)
• Flashlight
• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Water purification tablets
• Utility Knife
• Emergency Candles
• Extra Clothing
• Cash (stored in a waterproof container)
• Pens & paper
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush & toothpaste, feminine items)
• Activities for children
• First aid kit (sterile gloves, antibiotic ointments, bandages, pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, thermometer, eye wash solution, disinfectant, petroleum jelly)

Remember to pack extra supplies of items unique to your needs:

• Prescription medications
• Eyeglasses
• Baby diapers & food
• Pet food, water  & medication
• Kitty litter
• Copies of all legal papers (marriage documents, insurance policies, bank accounts, property ownership, drivers licenses, passports, etc.) stored in a waterproof container

For more information about disaster preparedness check out the US Department of Homeland Security's web site: www.ready.gov