Supplies to have on hand - From Red Cross

This is from another site I was on, and they got it from the Red Cross site (www.redcross.org):

These are basic things to keep on hand in case of a disaster. These should be kept on hand in an easy to carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home, or take with you in case of an emergency in case you need to evacuate. We haven't done it yet, but we plan to pack a grab 'n go kit for each family member, preferably in a back pack, and another pack that is carryable. Not all items would go in a grab and go kit, use your own judgement.

- Water - one gallon per person, per day (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First Aid kit
- Medications (7 day supply) and medical items
- Multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact numbers
- Extra cash (or gold and silver coins - my addition)
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

- Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Games and activities for children
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl [a collapsible one would be best])
- Two-way radios
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on types of disasters common to your area are:

- Whistle
- N95 or Surgical masks
- Matches
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Work gloves
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Household bleach
- Entertainment items
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- If you live in a hot climate, allow more water

Also in your house, you should stock extra food. Buy when it's buy one get one free, or when it goes on sale. I've heard not to buy the pull top. If you aren't using it, as in no emergency comes along, and you buy new stuff, rotate out your stock and use it up. That way it doesn't sit on the shelf for 5 years, or 20, but gets used, and you're constantly using the older stuff and putting the newer stuff away. It also keeps it fresh in your mind to replenish your stock.