Emergency Supplies Checklist

Use This Checklist

If you have advanced notice of a weather emergency, pull together supplies and store them in portable containers in case you must seek shelter away from your home for a period of time.

Many items commonly used during weather emergencies are available at your local Food Lion store. Items to have on hand include:

Heat and lights:

• Candles
• Extra batteries
• Fireplace logs
• Flash lights
• Matches

Health and safety (including food safety):

• Anti-bacterial hand gel and baby wipes
• Appliance thermometer and food thermometer
• First aid kit
• Paper towels
• Re-sealable baggies and garbage bags
• Vitamins, minerals and protein supplements

Food and food preparation:

• Bottled water (estimate 1 gallon per day per person, plus extra for food prep and hygiene)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nonperishable foods
• Canned meats, chicken and fish
• Canned chili, spaghetti, stew and vegetables
• Granola bars, trail mix and nuts
• Canned fruits and juices
• Evaporated or dry milk
• Instant soups
• Cereals and crackers (low-salt variety, so you don't crave extra water)
• Baby food and formula
• Pet foods and supplies
• Special dietary items
• Peanut butter and jelly (look for serving-size packages that don't require refrigeration)
• Hard candy, chocolate bars
• Disposable plates and utensils
• Manual can opener

Other necessary supplies include:

Communications:

• A battery-powered AM-FM radio, weather radio and batteries
• A land-line or corded phone
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including numbers for the power, gas and water companies.
• Backup plans in case family members are separated during an emergency. Designate a contact person who is not a member of your immediate family and with whom everyone can check in.

Odds and Ends:

• A list of dry ice suppliers (about 15 to 20 pounds of dry ice will keep temperatures in most freezers or refrigerators low for up to 24 hours)
• Frequently used medicines
• Blankets
• Prescriptions
• Eyeglasses
• Battery-operated lantern and batteries
• A wind-up or battery-powered clock
• Warm blankets
• Fuel for space heaters. Be certain to store this safely.
• Blankets