Everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient (able to live without electricity/gas, running water, telephones) for at least three days following a major emergency.
Essential supplies:
• Water: one gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)
• Water-purification kit
• First-aid kit, freshly stocked
• First-aid book
• Non-perishable food
• Can opener (non-electric)
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries
• Essential medications
• Extra pair of eyeglasses
• Extra set of house and car keys
• Fire extinguisher: A-B-C type
• Food, water and restraint (leash or carrier) for pets
• Cash and change
• Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier; soap and baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, jars of baby foods and juices
Supplies should be kept in a backpack or bag that can be reached quickly in an emergency and that can be used at home or taken with you; there should be enough supplies for each member of the family.
Some sources recommend having one set of supplies in your home, another in your car and a third in your workplace.
Source: California governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more, visit calema.ca.gov.
