Disasters can take us by surprise. Basic services that we’ve come to take for granted—electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and phones—can be cut off, as most of the state learned during the winter storm in 2021.
Your electric cooperative recommends keeping an emergency kit with food, water and supplies to help you and your family stay safe, healthy and comfortable during these outages. A basic emergency supply kit should include the following items.
Water
- Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (keep at least three days’ worth).
- Remember to stock additional water for pets.
Food
- Keep handy at least a three-day supply per person of nonperishable food such as canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that don’t require refrigeration or cooking.
- Be sure to include a manual can opener, paper towels, plastic cups, plates and utensils.
- If necessary include formula and food for infants and any other special dietary needs within your household, including those of pets.
First Aid Kit
- Two pairs of latex or other sterile gloves
- Saline solution or soap and antibiotic towelettes
- Antibiotic ointment and burn ointment
- Sterile dressings and adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
- Thermometer, scissors and tweezers
- Daily prescription medications and equipment
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment
- Pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, antacids and laxatives
Other Items
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered radio and weather radio, plus extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter air, plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off a space
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Cellphone with a charger, inverter or solar charger
Optional Supplies
Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:
- Prescription glasses, contact lens supplies, denture supplies
- Diapers, bottles, diaper rash ointment
- Cash or travelers’ checks, copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records
- Sleeping bags and warm blankets
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Toilet paper, feminine and personal hygiene supplies
- Paper and pencil, books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children.
