Emergency Planning and Emergency Supply Kit


Whether or not you decide that you need a shelter in your house, you can take two 
important steps to protect yourself and your family during a hurricane or tornado: 
prepare an emergency plan and put an emergency supply kit together. If you decide to 
build a shelter, your emergency plan should include notifying local emergency 
managers and family members or others outside the immediate area that you have a 
shelter. This will allow emergency personnel to quickly free you if the exit from your 
shelter becomes blocked by debris. You should also prepare an emergency supply kit 
and either keep it in your shelter or be ready to bring it with you if you need to evacuate
your house. Some of the items that the emergency supply kit should include are:

¥ an adequate supply of water for each person in your household

¥ non-perishable foods that do not have to be prepared or cooked 
(if these include canned goods, remember to bring a can opener)


¥ a Þrst-aid kit, including necessary prescription medicines

¥ tools and supplies:

- ßashlight (do not bring candles or anything that lights with a ßame)
- battery-operated radio  
- cellular phone or CB radio
- extra batteries   
- wrench (to turn off household gas and water)
Ð clothing and bedding
Ð 
¥ special items:

- for babies- formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk
- for adults- contact lenses and supplies, extra glasses


The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has developed the READY.gov web 
site. You can Þnd emergency planning and preparation guidance for all types of 
potential hazards. To obtain a copy of Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now, go to 
http://www.Ready.gov