Quick Answer
Minimum supplies for 2 weeks per person: water (1 gallon daily), non-perishable food, first aid, medications, flashlight, batteries, radio, blankets. Cash and documents secured protect assets. Fuel, generator, propane ensure backup power. Chemical toilet and sanitation supplies address waste. Rotate supplies annually preventing degradation.
Water Storage Requirements
Each person needs minimum 1 gallon daily for drinking and sanitation. Two-week supply requires 14 gallons per person. Families of four need 56 gallons minimum. Large containers store space efficiently. Rotate stored water annually preventing stagnation. Backup purification ensures water safety if storage fails.
Food Selection Principles
Non-perishable foods avoiding refrigeration work best. Canned goods, dried foods, and shelf-stable items maintain nutrition months to years. Include familiar foods preventing appetite loss during stress. Baby formula and specialized dietary foods address unique needs. Rotate supply annually maintaining freshness.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
Comprehensive first aid kit including bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and tools. Prescription medications in 90-day supply stored properly. Blood pressure monitor, glucose testing, or other chronic management supplies. Document all medications with dosage information. Non-prescription items addressing common illnesses provide flexibility.
Power and Light Sources
Flashlights with extra batteries provide basic lighting. Battery-powered radio receives emergency information. Generator providing backup power or solar charging systems. Fuel storage for generators with rotation schedule. Candles and matches provide backup light but create fire hazard.
Sanitation and Hygiene
Chemical toilet or significant toilet supplies for extended power loss. Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and hygiene supplies. Garbage bags for waste management. Cleaning supplies preventing disease spread. Paper products prevent water use requirements.
Organization and Rotation
Label all supplies with storage dates. Create checklist documenting contents and rotation dates. Designate specific storage location ensuring quick access. Rotate supplies annually before expiration. Involve family in planning and preparation building disaster-readiness culture.
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