Putting together your own kit for an emergency is not only a good idea, but essential.

Disaster kits are comprised of six basics: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, documents, special items and tools. You can purchase these supplies in prepared kits or you can do it youself.

Make sure your disaster kit is in a watertight box then store it in the garage or a safe, dry area. Keep heat sensitive items inside your home and rotate stock throughout the season so the items don’t get damaged. Make sure to keep plenty of batteries on hand. Extra batteries can be preserved in the refrigerator. 

Water
You should have a three-day supply of water for each person in your family or household. A minimum of two quarts comprise one person’s daily intake; children, nursing mothers and those who are sick may need more. If possible, store two more quarts per day that can be used for food prep or sanitation. Be sure to store water in plastic containers. Glass bottles can break, while milk carton-type containers can decompose over time and cause contamination to it’s contents. Use portable water bottles for your personal use, instead of throwing away the empty vessels, save them to store water.

Food
You’ll need to have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person. This food should not need refrigeration, and be consumed without cooking or with minimum food prep. Ideally, the items you choose will be compact and lightweight. Don’t buy the first items you see; shop around for the best deal. If you’re shopping responsibly weeks, if not months‚ before prime hurricane or tornado season, you should be able to shop around for the best deals. Vitamins would fit the bill perfectly here. Select items tailored to the family; infants, the elderly and those on special diets should be accommodated. Finally, it’s good to store some comfort foods as well. Candies, cookies, sweetened cereals, instant coffee and tea bags can make a difficult time less stressful. You can save money by purchasing in bulk and getting the generics instead of the brand names. When you have to make do after a disaster, any kind of cookie tastes just as good as a Famous Amos.

First Aid Kit
Compact first aid kits are available at most drug stores and other retail outlets. They should contain assorted gauze pads, adhesive type, bandages, scissors, tweezers, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, lubricant, tongue blades and a thermometer.
Make sure it contains bandages, gauze, disinfectant and tape. You can put your own medical kit together using an old fishing tackle box, buying boxes of bandages and gauze pads that feature a variety of sizes, and larger-sized bottles of ointment, antiseptic, etc. All of these items are cheaper bought in bulk. So the next time you need one of these items for your daily use, buy the larger size and put some away in of your disaster kit.


Clothing and Bedding
Durable, multi-purpose clothing should be packed for the proverbial rainy day. Remember, you’re not packing for a weeklong vacation; all each person really needs is just one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Portable bedding and blankets will no doubt come in handy. The larger retail outlets usually offer the best deals on bedding and clothing. Better yet, instead of throwing out last year’s attire, pack it away.
Keep at least one clean change of clothes for everyone in your household stored in watertight plastic bags. Rain gear, ponchos or raincoats, umbrellas and rain boots will be necessary as rain usually persists after a storm. Sturdy swamp boots - Flooding should be expected. Thick working gloves - You'll need these for the clean up after the storm.


Tools
Buy a flashlight for everyone in the household and make sure they are of good quality and contain batteries. Make sure that you have enough batteries to replace every flashlight. Battery powered radio - An AM/FM radio is a must in emergency situations.
Rechargeable battery-operated lanterns - Candles and kerosene lanterns are fire hazards. You can use them but never leave them unattended. Rechargeable battery-operated lanterns are best but make sure your batteries are new and fully charged. The more you use rechargeable batteries, the shorter the charge lasts. A wind-up or battery-operated clock is helpful in keeping your family on a schedule. Extra Bulbs - Make sure the extra bulbs fit the flashlights you buy. Toilet paper, paper towels matches/lighters and if you purchase matches, make sure to keep them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent them from getting wet. Fire extinguishers - You should have one or two in your home at all times. Inspect seal check and charge gauge regularly, especially when a watch is issued. Your extinguisher should be a class ABC. You will need plastic garbage bags for storage, collecting trash and cleaning up debris.

Documents
It is extremely important to make sure that you have the following documents close at hand and understand them completely. Map of the area and be aware of construction on major streets and highways and use an up to date map to plan alternate routes to avoid rivers and streams in flood areas. List of phone numbers and make sure the list includes numbers to use in emergencies as well as numbers to reach friends and family.
Homeowner’s insurance policy and make sure you understand your coverage.
Life and car insurance policies, proof of residence, driver’s license with your correct address if not the police may not let you back into the area.

Storing Your Kit
Your main disaster kit should be in a convenient place, within easy reach of every member of the family. The items should be kept in airtight plastic bags. Don’t forget to change the water every six months; at the same time rotate your stored food. Ask your pharmacist how long your medication can be stored before it loses its effectiveness. A smaller set of disaster supplies can be placed in the trunk of the family car. Appropriate containers for your kits can include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.