Assemble Your Disaster Medical Supplies Kit Today!

As much as we'd rather ignore it, disasters can strike at anytime. Don't be caught in an emergency without food, water, tools or the proper medical supplies. You may be without help or basic services such as electricity, gas, sewage treatment or telephones for hours, or even days. You probably will not have a chance to shop for what you need.

According to FEMA, your emergency preparedness kit should contain essential food, water and supplies for at least three days. Consider getting a Rescue Response Bag to hold things in.

The checklist below was compiled directly from the government's national preparedness website, www.ready.gov. I've also included examples of actual products for your kit.

Print this article and start collecting the items on the Emergency Preparation Checklist. Scratch off each item as you collect it. Put everything together in a safe place, high off the ground but somewhere you can get to it in case of an emergency. Let everyone in the family know where your Emergency Preparation Kit can be found.

Your Disaster Preparation Kit should contain:

* Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation

* Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food such as 8-oz cans of Ensure Nutritional Supplements, Pediasure for the kids and a box or two of MET-Rx ProteinPlus Protein Bars or MET-Rx Big 100 Meal Replacement Bars

* Self-contained Jensen Emergency Kit - includes a water resistant flashlight, mini-lantern, public alert receiver with FM auto scan and safety siren (NOAA weather band), whistle with lantern and FDA approved first aid kit. All batteries are included.

* Extra batteries

* Dust masks such as the Nexcare All-Purpose Masks to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

* Benzalkonium Chloride Antiseptic Towelettes, Prevail Disposable Washcloths, a folding commode and Sani Bag+ Commode Liners for personal sanitation. At the very least have garbage bags and plastic twist ties on hand.

* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Solve most any problem with a Leatherman Multi-Purpose Tool that includes needlenose pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, knife blades, bits & drivers, bottle/can opener, corkscrew and a lanyard attachment

Additional Items to Consider Adding to Your Disaster Preparedness Kit:

* Prescription medications and glasses

* Infant formula and diapers/wipes

* 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 or traveler's checks and change

* Emergency reference material such as a first aid book

* Space Emergency Rescue Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

* Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

* LifePack Water Filter, Waterwise Non-Electric Water Distiller or household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When you dilute nine parts water to one part bleach, the bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

* Fire extinguisher

* Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

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

* Paper and pencil

* Books, games, puzzles or other activities for kids

Depending on the needs of your family members, you might also include a PathLighter Safety Cane and a HeartStart Home AED Defibrillator.

For offices, schools or other facilities, you'll need a 50-Person Trauma First Aid Kit, First Responder Kit, 25-Person First Aid Kit or 50-Person First Aid Kit.

Be safe! Don't wait to assemble your Disaster Survival Kit. Do it today and save yourself the worry of putting your family at risk in the event of a disaster. Most of the things on the checklist you already have at home.