Emergency Supplies

Stock up now on emergency supplies to add to your safety and comfort during and after an emergency.
To learn more, review a visual emergency supplies checklist.

ESSENTIALS 

(Store enough supplies for at least 72 hours).

  • Water – One gallon per person per day for drinking. Additional water required for cooking and hygiene.
  • Water purification kit (or household bleach and dropper).
  • First Aid kit and manual.
  • Food – Non-perishable, packaged, canned or dehydrated, and for special diets requiring minimal heat and water.
  • Can opener (non-electric).
  • Blankets or sleeping bags.
  • Portable radio, flashlight, and spare batteries.
  • Essential medications/prescriptions (four to seven day supply).
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and solution.
  • Food and water for pets, and include an unbreakable dish, veterinary records, a restraint (leash or carrier) and medication with instructions. Keep your pet’s ID tag up-to-date.
  • Extra set of house and car keys.
  • Fire extinguisher – A-B-C type.
  • Cash and change (bank services may be disrupted).
  • Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap and baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices.

Cooking Supplies

  • Plastic knives, forks, spoons.
  • Paper plates and cups.
  • Paper towels.
  • Pots and pans (preferably steel or cast iron).
  • Heavy duty aluminum foil (better than dirtying pans).
  • Barbeque or camping stove for outdoor cooking (caution: before using fire to cook, make sure there are no gas leaks; never use charcoal indoors).

Sanitation Supplies

  • Large plastic trash bags with ties for waste; tarps and rain ponchos.
  • Large trash cans.
  • Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid.
  • Disinfectant and household liquid chlorine bleach (no additives) or water purification tablets.
  • Bar soap and liquid detergent.
  • Shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
  • Feminine and infant supplies.
  • Toilet paper, towelettes.
  • Household bleach.
  • Laundry line and clothes pins.

Safety and Comfort

  • Sturdy shoes.
  • Heavy work gloves for clearing debris.
  • Candles (not to be used if gas leaks or electrical problems exist) and matches.
  • Light sticks.
  • Change of clothing.
  • Knife or razor blades.
  • Garden hose for siphoning and firefighting.
  • Communication kit: Paper, pens, stamps.
  • Stress relievers – puzzles, games or books.

Tools and Miscellaneous

  • Axe, shovel, broom.
  • Adjustable wrench for turning off gas.
  • Tool kit including a screwdriver, pliers, and hammer.
  • Coil of 1/2-inch rope.
  • Plastic tape, staple gun, and sheeting for window replacement.
  • City map.

Finances

The banking system is highly automated and globally interconnected. Individuals should prepare for limited duration, localized failures of services.

Automatic Deposits

  • Remember that your paycheck, social security, child support, etc., payments may depend upon automated systems. Be aware that funds may not be immediately available if there is a problem resulting from an emergency.

Cash

  • Put some cash aside with your emergency supplies. Even if retailers accept credit cards, they still need power to operate and authorize purchases, and be willing to accept them. Debit cards will have the same liabilities as credit cards. Expect to use cash for most purchases.

Personal items/Issues of Concern

  • Personal record keeping should be maintained in good order. Keep your own copies of receipts, warranties, documentation of all transactions, etc. You may not be able to rely on the records of those with whom you do business.
  • Take photos and/or videos of your valuables. Make copies and keep them in another city or state.
  • Create a flash drive with all your important documents and mark it “ICE” (in case of emergency), click hereto see the types of documents to store on it.

VC Alert and Power Outages

The VC Emergency notification system is a valuable tool for notifying the public about local emergencies. Text “VCALERT” to 313131 on your cell phone and  receive a text message on how to register or visit VC Emergency for more information.