Prepare to Stay or Go
Once you’ve gathered all your emergency supplies, you’ll want to consider how you will use them in different scenarios. For example, in case of
a flash flood you may have to grab your kit and go by foot in a moment’s notice, whereas during a hurricane, you will evacuate ahead of time by
car. Yet in other emergencies, sheltering in place may be your safest option. Using the Build Your Emergency Supply Kit Checklist, prepare the
following kits:
Evacuating on Foot with a Go Kit
You might have only a few minutes notice to take what you can and make your way to a safe location. Each family member's kit
should be in portable container such as backpack or duffle bag near an exit in your home.
Non-perishable food that needs no cooking Water
Hand-operated can opener First-aid kit (see next page for contents)
Flashlight with extra batteries Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
Document Bag (see next page for contents) Prescription and backup medications
Extra clothes, sturdy shoes Nose and mouth protection masks (N-95 rating)
Whistle Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Hand sanitizer, wipes, personal hygiene supplies Rain gear
Sunscreen, insect repellent Baby items (formula, bottles, baby food)
Pet Supplies:
Pet food, water and bowls Pet medications
Pet first-aid kit Recent photo, medical records, registration, etc.
Carrier, leash and toys Cat litter and box
Evacuating by Car
In emergencies in which you evacuate by car, take your go-kits and add additional supplies to your car. These items include:
Phone charger (car adapter), extra cell phone battery Reading and sun glasses
Books, games, and toys Road maps
Extra Batteries Clothes
Soaps, personal supplies, baby items Blankets and pillows
Bleach, toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags Fix-A-Flat, tools, engine oil
Dental care, hearing and vision products More food and water
Phone charger (for standard electrical outlets) Plastic plates, cups, utensils
Matches and lighter Tent
Before you leave your home:
Fill your gas tank, check your spare tire Charge your mobile phone
Take cash, checkbook and credit cards Get a map of your route
Call your family emergency contact Identify gas stations and restaurants on your route
Sheltering in Place
In some emergencies, sheltering in place may be safer than evacuating. Tune in to local TV and radio for recommendations from
local officials on whether to stay or go. To be prepared to shelter in place, keep these items at home:
Smoke detector with battery for each floor Land line phone with extra long cord
Carbon monoxide detector with battery backup Fire extinguisher
TexasPrepares.org
Special Considerations
Document Bag Contents First Aid Kit Contents
Recommended by the Red Cross
Cash, current picture I.D.s 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
Medical records, x-rays, benefits documents, etc. 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
Social security cards, birth certificates or proof of 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
citizenship 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
List of medications with dosages, doctors’ phone 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
numbers 1 instant cold compress
Duplicate prescriptions from doctor 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
List of important phone numbers (family, friends, etc.) 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Financial statements (bank accounts, tax returns, etc.) oral thermometer, scissors, tweezers
Copies of recent bills (power, water, etc.) 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
Wills 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
Insurance documents (homeowner, renter, life, flood) 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
Home or other property deeds, leases, mortgages etc 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Vehicle titles, leases, loan documents, etc. 2 triangular bandages
Inventory of possessions and their value First aid instruction booklet
Backup computer files (on a CD, DVD, USB drive, etc.)
Copies of important keys
Sheltering in Place Q&A
Notes
What type of radio is best? An AM/FM/Weatherband radio that _____________________________________________________
can be powered by batteries AND plugged into an electrical
outlet is your best choice for an emergency. However, any _____________________________________________________
battery-powered radio will do.
_____________________________________________________
Why a corded phone? Cordless phones won’t work during a
_____________________________________________________
power outage. A corded phone can be used during a power
outage, since it doesn’t plug in to an electrical outlet. The long _____________________________________________________
cord means you can take it to the safest part of your house.
_____________________________________________________
Why a carbon-monoxide detector? Deadly carbon monoxide
from a generator outside your house can filter in through vents or _____________________________________________________
open windows. You would never know it was happening without
an inexpensive detector. _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
What does bleach do? Non-scented bleach can be used to
purify water for drinking or sanitize water for bathing, cooking _____________________________________________________
and cleaning. To purify water, add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) per
gallon in a large pot or kettle. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. _____________________________________________________
Why a pet carrier/cage? While you might not cage your pet at
home, having a carrier will help transport your pet safely during
an evacuation, and may be required, depending on where you
spend the night.
Why plastic sheeting? It can be used with duct tape to seal
doors, windows, and air vents at home, and offers some
protection from contaminated air, hazardous materials and bad
weather if you must evacuate.
