Kootenai County, Idaho

Your Disaster Supplies Calendar

The Family Disaster Supplies Calendar is intended to help you prepare for disasters before they happen. Using the calendar, your family can assemble an emergency kit in small steps over a six month period. Check off each week as you gather the contents. Supplies may be stored all together in a large plastic garbage can or food may be kept on kitchen shelves. Remember to rotate your perishable supplies and change water every six months.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Grocery Store

1 gallon of water

1 jar peanut butter

1 large can juice*

1 can meat

hand operated can opener

instant coffee, tea, powdered drinks

permanent marking pen to mark date on cans
(remember 1 gallon of water for each pet)

Also: pet food, diapers, and /or baby food if needed

Hardware Store

crescent wrench

heavy rope

duct tape

2 flashlights with batteries

"bungee" cords

Also: a leash or carrier for your pet if needed

Grocery Store

1 gallon of water*

1 can meat*

1 can fruit*

sanitary napkins

video tape

(remember 1 gallon of water for each pet)

Hardware Store

plumber's tape

crowbar

smoke detector with battery

Also: extra medications or a prescription marked "emergency use" if needed

To Do

make a family plan

date each perishable food item using marking pen.

To Do

check your house for hazards

Locate your gas meter and water shutoffs and attach a wrench near them

To Do

Use a video camera to tape the contents of your home for insurance purposes.

Store video tape with friend/family member that lives out of town.

To Do

Install or test your smoke detector

Tie water heater to wall studs using plumbers tape.

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Grocery Store

1 gallon of water

1 can meat

1 can fruit

1 can vegetables

2 rolls toilet paper

extra toothbrush

travel size toothpaste

Also: special foods for special diets if needed

First Aid Supplies

aspirin and/or acetominophen

compresses

rolls of guaze or bandages

first aid tape

Adhesive bandages-assorted sizes

Also: extra hearing aid batteries if needed

Grocery Store

1 gallon of water*

1 ready to eat soup (not concentrate)

1 can fruit*

1 can vegetables

Also: extra plastic baby bottles, formula, and diapers if needed

First Aid Supplies

scissors

tweezers

antiseptic

thermometer

liquid hand soap

disposable hand wipes

sewing kit

Also: extra eyeglasses if needed

To Do

Have a fire drill at home

To Do

Check with your child's day care or school to find out about their disaster plans.

To Do

Establish an out of state contact to call in case of emergency

To Do

Place a pair of shoes and a flashlight under your bed so that they are handy during an emergency.

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

Week 12

Grocery Store

1 can ready to eat soup

liquid dish soap

plain liquid bleach

1 box heavy duty garbage bags

Also:saline solution and a contact lens case, if needed

Hardware Store

waterproof portable plastic container (with lid) for important papers

portable am/fm radio

Also: blankets or sleeping bag for each family member

Grocery Store

1 large can juice*

1 large plastic food bags*

1 box quick energy snacks*

3 rolls paper towels

Also: sunscreen, if needed

First Aid Supplies

anti-diarrhea medicine

rubbing alcohol

2 pr latex gloves

ipecac syrup and activated charcoal (for accidental poisoning)

children's vitamins

Also: items for denture care if needed

To Do

Send some of your favorite family photos (or copies) to family members out of state for safe keeping.

To Do

Make photocopies of important papers and store safely.

To Do

Store a roll of quarters for emergency phone calls.

Go on a hunt with your family to find a pay phone near home.

To Do

Take your family on a field trip to gas meter and water meter shutoffs.

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15

Week 16

Hardware Store

whistle

ABC fire extinguisher

pliers

vise grips

Grocery Store

1 can fruit*

1 can meat*

1 can vegetables*

1 package paper plates

1 package eating utensils

1 package paper cups

adult vitamins

Hardware Store

extra flashlight batteries

masking tape

hammer

assorted nails

"L" brackets to secure tall furniture to wall studs

wood screws

Grocery Store

1 can meat*

1 can vegetables*

1 box large heavy duty garbage bags

kleenex

1 box quick energy snacks (such as granola bars or raisins)

To Do

Take a first aid/CPR class

To Do

Make a plan to check on a neighbor who may need help in an emergency

To Do

Brace shelves and cabinets

To Do

Find out if you have a neighborhood safety organization and join it!

Week 17

Week 18

Week 19

Week 20

Grocery Store

1 box of graham crackers

assorted plastic containers with lids

assorted safety pins

dry cereal

Hardware Store

"child proof" latches or other fasteners for your cupboards

double-sided tape or Velcro-type fasteners to secure moveable objects

Grocery Store

1 box large heavy duty garbage bags

1 box quick energy snacks (such as granola bars or raisins)

Hardware Store

camping or utility knife

extra radio batteries

Also: purchase an emergency escape ladder for second story bedrooms if needed.

To Do

Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help your children if you are at work.

To Do

Pack a "go-pack" in case you need to evacuate

To Do

Have an earthquake drill at home.

To Do

Find out about your workplace disaster plans.

Week 21

Week 22

Week 23

Week 24

Hardware Store

heavy work gloves

1 box disposable dust masks

screwdriver

plastic safety goggles

Grocery Store

extra hand operated can opener

3 rolls paper towels

Hardware Store

battery powered camping lantern with extra battery or flashlights

Grocery Store

large plastic food bags

plastic wrap

Create a Family Disaster Supplies Kit

To Get Started

Check your house for supplies that you already have on hand.

Decide where you will store supplies (food may be packed together in a single container or kept on shelves for easy rotation).

Meet With Your Family to Plan

Discuss the types disasters that could occur.

Explain how to prepare; explain when and how to respond.

Discuss what to do if you need to evacuate.

Practice your plan.

Suggested Foods

Select based on your family's needs and preferences. Pick low-salt, water-packed varieties when possible

Canned Meat

tuna, chicken, raviolis, chili, beef stew, spam, corned beef, etc.

Vegetables

green beans, kernel corn, peas, beets, kidney beans, carrots, etc.

Fruit

pears, peaches, mandarin oranges, applesauce, etc.

Cereal

Cheerios, Chex, Kix, Shredded Wheat, etc.

Quick energy snacks

granola bars