The University of Washington: Facilities Services

Disaster Kit

Prepare Yourself And Your Family

Create Disaster Supply Kits

One important lesson learned from last year’s hurricane season and other disasters is the need for individuals and families to prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Following a disaster, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. A key element of personal preparedness is the creation of a disaster supplies kit.

Keep the items you will most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a large, covered trash container, camping backpack or duffle bag.

 Water

  • At least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

 Food

  • At least enough for 3 to 7 days Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking utensils / fuel, paper plates, plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows

  • Other bedding items

 Clothing

  • Seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes

Medical supplies

  • First aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs

Special Items

  • For infants and the elderly

 Toiletries

  • Hygiene items
  • Moisture wipes

 Flashlight

  • Extra batteries

 Radio

  • Battery-operated and NOAA weather radio

 Cash

  • Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Important documents

  • In a waterproof container Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social security card, other

Important documents

  • In a waterproof container Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social security card, other

 Tools

  • Keep a set with you during the storm

Pet care items

  • Proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash

 Keys

Toys, books and games

Vehicle fuel tanks filled


At home: The disaster supply kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Keep the kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. Additionally, consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.

At work: The kit should be in one container, and ready to “grab and go” in case you are evacuated from your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.

In the car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

This kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.

Visit: www.ready.gov, www.fema.gov and www.floridadisaster.org for a thorough look into disaster preparedness and a more detailed list of emergency supplies. Also, www.ready.gov/kids is an excellent resource for information on how to involve children in the process of assembling the family’s Disaster Supply Kit.

Additional Resources