Water Preparation- You will need non-corrosive, airtight containers with the stamp HDPE and the number 2 recycling symbol on the bottom, such as milk jugs.  Carefully clean the container and lid
(remove the lid liner) with hot soapy water, rinse, clean again with a mixture of 1T bleach to one gallon of water, let stand for 2 minutes and rinse again.  Fill the container with tap water and 1/8 teaspoon of bleach, to kill any remaining bacteria. 

Water Storage- Store the containers out of sunlight and away from chemicals.  After 6 months, use the old water and replace it.  The amount you need depends on the number of people in your family and the number of days you want to be prepared to handle.  The rule of thumb is 1 gallon per family member per day (don’t forget some for pets).  Always plan for a minimum of 3 days; this means a family of 5 would need 15 gallons stored.

For more information about alternative emergency water sources, such as your hot water heater, visit http://www.nationalterroralert.com/safewater/.

Food- Canned goods with long expiration dates that do not require heating before eating are a good option.  Don’t forget the can opener.  However, if you have to carry the food outside your home, canned goods are heavy so be creative.  Nuts and seeds are a good light weight source of shelf stable protein.  Peanut butter and pilot bread is another good idea here on slope.  Keep enough food in your pantry or in an emergency kit to last your entire family for a minimum of three days.  When deciding the number of days, keep in mind, most of our food comes in on a plane, so a off-slope catastrophe can affect our food resources.   Change out the food in your kit every 6 months, to eat food before it expires. 

Radio-Purchase a hand cranked or battery operated AM/FM radio to help keep you informed.

Flashlight- A minimum of two, in case you need to separate from your family for a while.  Candles with matches will also work; just don’t ever leave them unattended.

Batteries-  Be sure to have extras for your radio, flashlight and any other items you plan to have in your kit.  Rotate these every time you purchase new batteries, to keep them working properly.

First Aid Kit- You can purchase a  kit or create your own.  Just remember to replace items as they get used throughout the year.

Whistle- Allows others to hear where you are located.

Barriers- Items such as duct tape and plastic sheeting can help keep contaminates out of your home, dust masks are important if you have to breathe bad air.

Hygiene items- bucket, garbage bags, toilet paper, hand sanitizer or wipes

Tools- wrench and pliers for shutting off water, gas, and electricity (know how to do these things before the emergency)

Blankets/Heavy Clothing- on most lists you will find these items optional, but with our weather they are necessary.  If there is ever a problem with the heat, we would definitely need extra gear.

Beyond the Basics- If you have a basic kit ready and want to expand your kit, consider adding any of the following items: spare glasses, medications,  baby supplies, pet supplies, personal care items, copies of important documents, cash, unscented bleach, fire extinguisher, paper and plastic products (for eating and clean up), paper and pen, and activity books for the kids.