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Make a Kit

Overview

The emergency supply kit is the center of all emergency preparedness plans. Follow these guidelines to make kits for your home, workplace, and car. Afterwards, check the Be Informed section for additional supplies you should consider for specific disasters.

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office provides a checklist of supplies in a printer-friendly format:

The Alameda County Public Health Department also provides an Emergency Preparedness Guide in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Hindi:

NOTE: The checklists below use cookies** to save your selections so that you can track which items you have prepared.

Home

The emergency supply kit for your home is the most important of the kits and should be designed to last at least seven days. It should include:

Water purification kit
Water (1 gallon per person/pet per day)
  • Store the water in soft plastic containers or bottles that cannot break
  • Replace the water every six months
Food
Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juice, milk, and soup
High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix
Food for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets
Comfort food such as cookies or candy
Whistle
Battery powered radio or television
Flashlight and extra batteries
Face masks, dust masks, or gas masks
Protective clothing, including sturdy shoes and jacket
Extra pair of glasses
Cash ($20-$100 in small bills)
Extra set of car and house keys
Fire extinguishers (ABC type)
List of contact names and phone number
Copies of important documents (birth certificates, licenses, insurance policies)
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled persons
Food, water, and leash/carrier for pets
Personal hygiene and sanitation items
Hand sanitizer or liquid soap
Toilet tissue, towels, and towelettes
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
Ziplock and trash bags
Telephone card, quarters for phone, or cell phone
All-purpose knife, scissors, and non-electric can opener
Disposable utensils, plates, cups, etc.
Waterproof marker (to write your name in large letters on your clothing)
Unscented chlorine bleach
First aid kit that includes:
Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Sterile dressings
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic
Burn ointment
Eye wash solution
Scissors
Prescribed medical supplies and medications
Safety pins and needles in assorted sizes
Moistened towelettes or wet wipes
Disposable gloves
Thermometer
Sunscreen
Tweezers
Over-the-counter medicine
Miscellaneous items
String
Plastic tape and duct tape
Pen and paper
Playing cards
Books
Entertainment materials
Plastic sheeting

Workplace

Keep this supply kit with you at your office or wherever you work. It should last at least three days.

Flashlight and extra batteries
Portable radio and extra batteries
Heavy glooves such as gardening gloves
Food
Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juice, milk, and soup
High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix
Food for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets
Comfort food such as cookies or candy
Non-electric can opener and knife
Personal hygiene and sanitation items
Hand sanitizer or liquid soap
Toilet tissue, towels, and towelettes
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
Ziplock and trash bags
Extra pair of glasses

Car

This is your portable emergency pack for when things go wrong on the road. Make sure it can last at least three days.

Extra pair of glasses
Food
Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juice, milk, and soup
High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix
Food for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets
Comfort food such as cookies or candy
Non-electric can opener and knife
Flares
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blanket or sleeping bag
Protective clothing including sturdy shoes and jacket
Gloves - sturdy and warm, preferably vinyl or leather
Personal hygiene and sanitation items
Hand sanitizer or liquid soap
Toilet tissue, towels, and towelettes
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
Ziplock and trash bags

Pet Supplies

Don't forget your pet when planning for disaster. Here is a list of recommended items to pack.

Food
Water
Medications
Leash/carrier
Tags
Litter box
Vaccination information
Toys


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