St. Mary's County Government Public Safety prepared

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own. This means having a supplying of your own water, food and other necessities in a sufficient quantity to last for three days, while waiting for help to arrive. Relief workers and local officials will make their way to the scene immediately after a disaster, but it’s impossible for them to reach everyone right away. Furthermore, basic services, such as gas, electricity, sewage treatment, water and telephone service may be cut off possibly for days, a week or perhaps even longer. As such, you should have everything you need for both yourself and each member of your family until help arrives.

The following suggested kit is meant to provide for the basic needs of an individual or family for up to 72 hours in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep supplies in an easy to carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below:

Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

Store a three day supply for each family member. One gallon per person per day is recommended for drinking, cooking and washing. Remember to include water for your pets. Write the date on the water containers and replace them every six months.

Learn how to remove the water from your hot water heater just in case you need it. Be sure to turn off the gas or the electricity to the tank prior to draining off water for emergency use.

Purify water by boiling it for 5 to 10 minutes or by adding drops of household bleach containing 525% hypochlorite. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Water purification tablets or a filter system such as those designed for campers and backpackers also work. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners to purify your water.

Food—nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

Use canned foods for easy storage and long shelf life. Choose ready to eat canned meat, fruits, and vegetables that your family likes (During a disaster is not the time to try new menu items-you and your family are under enough stress!) Keep food fresh by checking dates and recycling and replacing it every year. Other recommendations are canned or dried juice mixes, powdered or canned milk, high energy food such as peanut butter, jelly ,crackers, unsalted nuts, trail mix ,cereals and rice.

Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency by visiting FoodSafety.gov

Other items

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both. (The weather radio can be purchased at most any department store or electronics store).

Flashlight and extra batteries.

First aid kit.

Whistle (This is a very important part of your kit and would be used to signal for help if necessary)

Dust Mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

Moist Towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

Can opener for food (if your kit contains canned food)

Local map (click to print St. Mary's county Emergency Preparedness Map)

Additional items to consider adding to your kit

Prescription medications and extra eye glasses.

Infant formula and diapers.

Pet food and extra water for your pet.

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

Cash, traveler's checks and change (ATM's may not be in operation nor banking facilities open) you should have at least $50.00 in small bills in your kit. Be sure to include quarters and dimes for any machines you may need to use.)

Emergency reference material such as a first aid book and or the Saint Mary's County CARE guide.

Sleeping bag or warm blanket (wool blend) for each person. Consider additional bedding if an emergency occurs in the winter.

Lightweight stove and fuel.

Hand and body warm packs.

Poncho

Tent/Shelter

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, extra socks, hat and gloves and sturdy shoes. Consider adding additional clothing for colder seasons.

Fire Extinguisher.

Light source besides flashlight (light stick necklaces)

Matches (Windproof and Waterproof) or place matches in a waterproof container.

Second method to start a fire ( Lighter)

Pocket knife

Folding Shovel

Hatchet or Axe

Sewing Kit

50-Foot Nylon Rope

Burn Gel and Dressings

Insect repellent

Portable toilet

Water resistant duffel bag, frame pack or day pack.

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items. (Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, tissues, razor and any other items you would like to include in your kit)

Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels.

Paper and pencil.

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

Go Bag

A component of your disaster kit is your Go-Bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.

Flashlight

Radio-battery operated

Batteries

Whistle

Dust mask

Pocket knife

Emergency cash in small denominations

Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes and a warm hat

Local map

Some water and food

Permanent marker, paper and tape

Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes

List of emergency point-of-contact phone numbers

List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food

Copy of Health insurance and identification cards

Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items

Prescription medications and first aid supplies

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Extra Keys to your house and vehicle

Any special need items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.

Do not forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.

Storing Emergency Supplies

Choose a location: A closet or "safety corner" in the garage, where it is cool and dark if you live in an apartment or have limited space, be innovative. Other possible storage locations include under the bed, under stairways or even in a large box or plastic tub that can be covered with a tablecloth and used as an end table.

Layer supplies: As shown, and keep them together in a container such as a plastic garbage can with wheels. Check every 6 months for food expiration dates, children's clothing sizes, etc.

Start with what you already have: If you're a camper or backpacker, you've got a head start Your tent, cook stove, and other gear can double as emergency supplies.

Back to Homepage Back to Be Prepared