Chemical/Biological/Radiological

Bomb Threat

Violence-Sniper/Unruly Demonstrations

Severe Weather-Tornado

Transportation System Failure

Most instances: 3-4 Hours

Plan for worst case 12 hours.

Plan for contingency that you might have to stay the night at friends or hotel.

Small tote bag, fanny pack, backpack, soft-sided briefcase or whatever holds the contents of your kit. It is recommended that you not use cardboard boxes to hold your emergency supplies since these can break open if dropped.

Food: Enough non-perishable food to sustain you for at least one day (three meals), is suggested. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water such as Non-perishable high-energy foods (granola bars, energy bars, etc.). These bars are high calorie and do not promote thirst. Regardless of what you choose, keeping them in plastic bags or containers helps to reduce the risk of rodent and insect intrusion.

Prepackaged emergency water with 5-year shelf life approved or bottled water. Two quarts should be sufficient since the anticipated event duration will be hours not days. Only pack what you can easily carry. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.

Ready-to-eat canned meals, meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Canned juices.

Three day supply of medicines - While everything else on this list is based on the short term we recommend a three-day supply of medications just in case you cannot make it home and end up staying at a friend's house or hotel. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expiration dates. It would also be a good idea to have the pharmaceutical name written down inside your kit just in case you cannot remember the exact name or you need medical care.

Small battery operated or solar radio - You may need to walk and not have any way of getting up to date information.

Small Flashlight.

Extra batteries for your radio and flashlight. If possible buy a radio and flashlight that use the same size batteries so you only have to buy one size and can interchange if you have to.

Light/glow stick (2) to pin to your clothes or carry in case you have to walk in the dark.

Small knife or multi-tool - While you may not know how to use all the tools, it's a good bet someone else will in an emergency.

Personal toiletries, including toothbrush, non-water hand cleaner, eye drops, etc.

Comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, socks and hat for the season in case you have to walk. These items don't need to be in your kit.

A pen and small note/phone book with the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of your family, friends and neighbors. While many people carry cell phones and electronic note pads, a hard copy back up never hurts and can take a lot of abuse.

Emergency rain poncho and blanket.

Small First Aid kit

Area map

Metal whistle that can be worn around the wrist or neck that can be blown to attract attention if you are trapped or unable to move.

Personal Reading Material

Cash, $50, in small denominations to buy food and gas in case you are unable to use your credit or debit cards. Keep this on your person not in your kit.