Disaster Shopping List: All Items

Creative Commons via sk8geek

For the past 12 weeks, we have posted a few things to add to your weekly shopping list so that you are more fully prepared for emergencies; however, we know that some of you like to shop "all at once" or have a checklist to work from that is all inclusive.

Here is what we've posted to put together a great starter preparedness kit:

• 2 boxes of large, plastic zip bags
• 2 rolls of aluminum foil
• 2 boxes of heavy duty garbage bags
• Large, portable plastic tote or garbage can with lid (for storing your items)
• Water (one gallon, per person, per day...extra for pets)
• Granola bars with a long shelf life
• Cereal
• Canned fruit
• Canned vegetables
• 4-5 cans of meat
• 1 jar of jam or jelly
• 1 jar of peanut butter
• Box(es) of saltine crackers
• Bags of beef jerky
• Cans of juice
• Manual can opener
• Instant coffee/tea/powdered drinks
• 2 packages of eating utensils, paper cups & paper plates
• Tissues
• 2 rolls of paper towels
• 4 rolls of toilet paper
• Liquid dish soap
• Matches (waterproof is best)
• Latex or Nitrile gloves
• Unscented liquid bleach
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toothpaste & toothbrushes
• First aid tape, gauze & bandages
• First aid guide
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Deodorant
• Shampoo
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Pain reliever pills
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Prescription (even if you can't get extra, make it a practice to fill on the first date possible, not the last)
• Scissors
• Safety glasses
• Utility knife or multi-purpose tool
• Battery operated, hand-crank radio (and not the super cheap kind that are worthless)
• Extra batteries
• Flashlights
• Heavy work gloves
• Disposable dust mask
• Fire extinguisher
• Handsaw or chainsaw with fuel
• Tarp or large canvas
• Crowbar
• Hammer & nails
• Battery powered camping lantern
• Extra batteries (including cell phone batteries)
• Portable grill or stove with fuel
• Disposable camera
• Special food needs (for allergies, religion or diabetes)
• Baby food, bottle or infant formula (if you have young children in your house)
• Diapers, as needed
• Pet food, as needed
• Leash & pet carrier, as needed
• Spare eyeglasses or contact supplies, as needed
• Items for denture care, as needed
• Feminine hygiene products, as needed
• Any other medical or mobility supplies, as needed
• Games or activities
• Books
• Set of paper maps of your area
• Duct Tape

We realize that this list is not perfect and likely missing a few key things.  Remember, preparedness kits have to be adjusted to meet the needs of your household and adjusted each year based on how your family changes.  Remember, everything you do for preparedness can be helpful in a variety of other circumstances.  You just never know when having these items on hand could be a real life saver.