Using this calendar, your family can assemble an emergency kit in small steps over a six-month period.

The Family Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar is intended to help you take appropriate preparedness actions and create a 3- to 7-day disaster supply kit before the next emergency happens. Followthe calendar to make plans and assemble an emergency kit in small steps over the next six months.

Check off the items you collect or the actions you take during the week. Supplies may be stored all together in a large plastic garbage can with wheels. Perishable supplies and water should be rotated every six months.

You should store at least 1 to 2 gallons of water per person for each day. This water is for drinking and sanitation.

  Week 1

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per person
• 1 can of meat per person
• 2 manual can openers
• safety pins
• 2 pair latex gloves

Miscellaneous Items:

• Permanent marking pen

To Do:

• Identify and discuss what kinds of disasters are most likely to occur and how they will affect your family and property.
• Make a family emergency plan. See the Family Preparedness Guide for more information.

  Week 2

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per person
• 1 can of fruit per person
• 1 can of meat per person
• sunscreen
• anti-diarrhea medicine
• mosquito repellent containing DEET

Miscellaneous Items:

• Waterproof plastic container for first aid supplies

To Do:

• Plan to have at least two means of communicating with your family (i.e. e-mail, phone, cell phone, two-way radios).
• Prepare a list of important phone numbers: out-of-state contact, physicians, veterinarian, family, creditors, insurance, etc. and place by phones.

  Week 3

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per person
• 1 can of fruit per person
• 1 can of meat per person
• Baby food (if needed)
• Aspirin or acetaminophen

Miscellaneous Items:

• Pen & paper

To Do:

• Designate an out-of-town emergency contact.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 for emergency help.

  Week 4

Hardware Store:

• Portable am/fm radio
• Crescent wrench
• Plastic safety goggles
• Water proof matches
• Heavy work gloves

To Do:

• Pick two places for your family to meet in an emergency. See the Family Preparedness Guide
• Pack a "go-bag" in case you need to evacuate your home.

  Week 5

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per person
• 1 can of fruit per person
• 1 can of meat per person
• Diapers (if needed)
• Compresses

Miscellaneous Items:

• Extra medications or prescriptions for humans and pets

To Do:

• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find at least two ways out of each room.
• Locate areas in your home where you and your family can shelter-in-place. See the Family Preparedness Guide

  Week 6

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per person
• 1 can of juice per person
• 1 can of vegetables per person
• Pet food (if needed)
• First aid tape

Miscellaneous Items:

• Video tape or film

To Do:

• Use a video camera or standard camera to capture images of the contents of your home for insurance purposes.
• Place tape or pictures in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe/cabinet.

  Week 7

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per person
• 1 can of fruit per person
• 1 can of vegetables per person
• Rolls of gauze or bandages
• Saline solution for contact lenses (if needed)

Miscellaneous Items.

• Battery powered cell phone charger

To Do:

• Make copies of your favorite family and pet photos, or scan photos and and burn to a CD. Store photos or CD in safe deposit box or fireproof safe/cabinet.

• Make photocopies or scan important papers and store in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe/cabinet.

  Week 8

Hardware Store:

• Whistle
• 2 flashlights
• Camping or utility knife
• Tarp
• Heavy rope

To Do:

• Update animal vaccination records and put with important papers.
• Contact utility companies for direction on shutoff procedures.

  Week 9

Grocery Store:

• 1 jar peanut butter per person
• 1 can ready-to-eat soup per person
• 1 can of vegetables per person
• Sanitary napkins (if needed)
• Scissors

Miscellaneous Items:

• Blankets

To Do:

• Check your house for hazards.
• Identify which hazards you will reduce first.

  Week 10

Grocery Store:

• 1 can of juice per person
• 1 can ready-to-eat soup per person
• 1 can of vegetables per person
• Baby food (if needed)
• Thermometer

Miscellaneous Items:

• One sleeping bag per person or pet

To Do:

• Test your smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries.
• Have a fire drill.

  Week 11

Grocery Store:

• 1 box graham crackers
• 1 box quick energy snacks
• dry cereal
• diapers (if needed)
• vitamins (child & adult)

To Do:

• Secure fish tanks, bird houses and reptile cages.
• Brace shelves and cabinets to wall studs.

  Week 12

Hardware Store:

• Double sided tape or velcro
• Duct tape
• Masking tape
• Plumber's tape

To Do:

• Tie water heater to wall studs.
• Take a first aid/CPR class.

  Week 13

Grocery Store:

• Special food for special diets
• Instant coffee, tea, cocoa
• 1 box quick energy snacks
• Pet food (if needed)
• Tweezers

Miscellaneous Items:

• Extra clothing

To Do:

• Place a pair of hard-sole shoes and a flashlight under your bed so they are handy during an emergency.
• Store extra cash and credit cards.

  Week 14

Grocery Store:

• 1 box quick energy snacks
• 1 gallon of water per pet
• 1 package of paper cups
• Denture supplies (if needed)
• Sewing kit

Miscellaneous Items:

• Jackets

To Do:

• Date each can of food and water containers.
• Investigate home / rental insurance

  Week 15

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per pet
• 1 box heavy-duty garbage bags
• 1 package paper plates per person
• Hearing aid batteries (if needed)

To Do:

• Store a roll of quarters for emergency phone calls.
• Locate a pay phone near your home and work.

  Week 16

Hardware Store:

• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Crowbar
• Vise grips
• L-brackets or flexible straps to secure tall furniture to wall studs

To Do:

• Ask veterinarian about appropriate size container for your pet in case you must evacuate your home.
• Obtain a collar-tag or microchip for your pet for identification

  Week 17

Grocery Store:

• 1 box heavy-duty garbage bags
• 1 quart plain liquid bleach
• 2 rolls toilet paper per person
• Disposable hand wipes

Miscellaneous Items:

• Towels

To Do:

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

  Week 18

Grocery Store:

• 3 rolls paper towels
• 1 box large heavy-duty garbage bags
• Aluminum foil
• Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal

Miscellaneous Items:

• Hats, umbrella, gloves

To Do:

• Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help your children or watch your pets if you are at work when an emergency strikes.
• Make a plan to check on a neighbor who might need help in an emergency.

  Week 19

Grocery Store:

• 1/4 teaspoon (for bleach)
• Eating utensils
• Extra toothbrush per person
• Rubbing alcohol

To Do:

• Find out if you have a neighborhood safety organization and join it.
• Develop a neighborhood pet care plan.

  Week 20

Hardware Store:

• 1 box disposable dust masks
• ABC Fire extinguisher
• Local area map
• Battery powered camping lantern with extra batteries
• Waterproof portable plastic container with lid for important papers

To Do:

• Research how to become a licensed ham radio operator.
• If you are a licensed ham radio operator, contact a local government agency to volunteer for emergency service.

  Week 21

Grocery Store:

• 3 rolls paper towels
• Kleenex
• Large plastic food bags
• Adhesive bandages in various sizes

Miscellaneous Items:

• Shoes

  Week 22

Grocery Store:

• Liquid dish soap
• Plastic containers with lids
• Plastic wrap
• Antiseptic

Miscellaneous Items:

• Leashes for pets

  Week 23

Grocery Store:

• Large plastic food bags
• Toothpaste
• Cold packs
• Personal hygiene items i.e. deodorant, comb

  Week 24

Hardware Store:

• Extra batteries
• Bungee cords
• Child-proof latches
• Large ground screw to secure animals if fences fall.
• Camp stove & fuel

Keeping supplies fresh

The following items should be used or replaced at the suggested time:

Use within 6 months:

• Powdered milk (box)
• Dried fruit (in air-tight container)
• Dry, crisp crackers (in air-tight container)
• Potatoes
• Water
• Bleach

Use within one year:

• Canned condensed milk and vegetable soups
• Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables
• Ready to eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in air tight container)
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Canned meats
• Hard candy
• Vitamin C
• Water in manufactured sealed containers

Long life: (if checked annually and in air tight containers and proper conditions)

• Wheat
• Vegetable oil
• Dried corn
• Baking powder
• Soybeans
• Instant coffee, tea and cocoa
• Salt
• Noncarbonated soft drinks
• White rice
• Bouillon products
• Dry pasta
• Powdered milk (nitrogen-packed)

Storage Tips

• Keep food in dry, cool spot — and dark, if possible.
• Keep food covered at all times.
• If you open food boxes or cans, do so carefully, so that you can close them tightly after each use.
• Wrap cookies or crackers in a plastic bag and inside an air tight container.
• Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air tight cans to protect them from pests.
• Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Mark all foods with purchase date with an ink or marking pen.
• Place new items at the back/bottom of the storage area/container.

Generator Warning

Generators provide valuable assistance during power outages and other emergencies.  If you decide to purchase a generator, decide what items you would like to operate in a power outage.  If you are running electric cords from the generator directly to the item to be powered, ensure that you have heavy enough gauge wire to run the appliance.  If you are connecting the generator to your home's power, use a certified electrician to make the connections.  Improper connections to your home's electrical system can cause fire and electrocution.  NEVER run a generator in your home.  Carbon Monoxide poisoning and death can occur.  Generators should always be operated outside.