Quick Disaster Kit

WATER – 1 GALLON per Person per Day:

NUMBER of Family Members  x  NUMBER of Days = NUMBER of Gallons of Water

Example:  4 (family members)  x  3 Days worth of water = 12 Gallons of Water plus 1 Gallon per Pet

CANS of FRUIT and VEGETABLES

If you just want to get freeze dried food, then you can skip the cans of food.  Just remember that freeze dried food requires water to reconstitute the meals.  They can also have high sodium content which will make you thirsty.  It’s good to have some cans of fruits and vegetables to provide fiber AND liquid from the cans.  Chili and Oatmeal also make great quick meals.

This grocery list is based on a 1 Week Meal Plan for a FAMILY of FOUR.

Print out the 1 Week Meal Plan for 4 Using 3 and 4 Day Kits so that you know how the food can be combined to create meals for a week.

Start with 3 DAYS of food and then gradually build to a week’s supply.  I budget 1/2 of a can per person.  Here’s how to calculate how many cans you will need for:

NUMBER of Family Members  x 1/2 CAN of FOOD per member  x  NUMBER of Days = NUMBER of CANS

Example: 4 (family members)  x  1/2  x  3 Days = 6 CANS of Food

CLICK HERE to Print this Grocery List

Mountain House Freeze Dried Food has a shelf life of THIRTY YEARS.

Step 4 provides more details on how to create a post-disaster food plan for your family.  The Quick Kit uses a meal plan based on Mountain House Freeze Dried Meal Kits.

Print out the 1 Week Meal Plan for 4 Using 3 and 4 Day Mountain House Kits so that you know how the food will be combined to create meals for a week.  That web page shows another combination of using the 2 and 5 Day Mountain House kits.  Look at all the kits to see which meals your family would like best.

Only purchase the 3 Day Mountain House Kit if you are creating a 3 Day Kit.  Later add the 4 Day Mountain House kit to expand your supply to 7 days.

If the Mountain House Kits DON’T have food that your family would like, then go to the 1 Week Meal Plan for 4 Using Custom Meals.  You can substitute whatever meals your family would like best.  There are a LOT of choices!!!

Product	Description/Links	Notes
	MH 3 Day Emergency Food Kit for 1 person: Biscuits & Gravy (1), Scrambled Eggs with Bacon (2), Beef Stroganoff (2), Chicken Terriyaki (1), Pasta Primavera (2), Rice & Chicken (1)	BUY ONE FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER. Meals in this Kit: Biscuits & Gravy (1), Scrambled Eggs with Bacon (2), Beef Stroganoff (2), Chicken Terriyaki (1), Pasta Primavera (2), Rice & Chicken (1)
	MH 4 Day Emergency Food Kit for 1 person: Breakfast Skillet (2),Granola with Blueberries (2), Beef Stew (2), Italian Style Pepper Steak (2), Lasagna (2), Noodles & Chicken (2)	BUY ONE FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER. Meals in this Kit: Breakfast Skillet (2),Granola with Blueberries (2), Beef Stew (2), Italian Style Pepper Steak (2), Lasagna (2), Noodles & Chicken (2)
	AF Freeze Dried Broccoli(#10 can)	This freeze dried broccoli can help add vegetables to your meals. You can use freeze dried cheddar cheese to add flavor to it.
	Freeze Dried Sharp Cheddar Cheeze (10 oz)	OPTIONAL: This can be used on vegetables to add flavor (especially if you have picky eaters). Please note that this comes in a 10 ounce can (not #10 can).
	MH Pilot Crackers (#10 can)	Combine these crackers with peanut butter (if no nut allergies) for a high protein snack.
	Datrex 3600 Calorie Food Bar 2 for 1 Week Meal Plan 2 for Bug Out Bag 2 for car	FEMA Basic Kit Item An earthquake, bad winter storm or road accident can bring traffic to a complete standstill for HOURS! These 3600 Calorie food bars will make sure you don’t go hungry. They be stored in the car for up to 5 years. ALSO Purchase as snacks for meal plan

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You should already have gallons of water on your Grocery Shopping List, but that will only last 3 days.  These items will help you extend your water supply.

Make sure you printed the CDC sheet on how to Make Water Safe.  Go to Step 3 to see more CDC pamphlets on how to sanitize water after a disaster.

Product	Description/Links	Notes
	Survivor Filter Pro	If you can afford it, then a small pump filter is the way to go.  It gives you the power to filter larger amounts of water at a much faster rate and you can take it with you if you have to evacuate.  I personally own the Survivor Filter Pro and keep it in my Bug Out Bin. The Survivor Filter company is a US company that has done extensive testing on their filters.  It is worth reading their link on the quality of their filters.  The report indicates that their tests showed that their filter meets CDC requirements for Crypto removal.  I also bought their Portable Collapsible Canteens to make it easier to collect the filtered water.
	Aquamira Water Treatment Drops (using Chlorine Dioxide)	This is another cheap and easy solution for disinfecting water and killing waterborne pathogens. It uses chlorine dioxide, so it doesn't produce the aftertaste that you get with iodine.  The AquaMira Website explains it's effectiveness against viruses, bateria and cysts including cryptosporidium and giardia.  Aquamira is also excellent for use with water storage.  Adding it to your storage containers (see Action 6) will keep the water safe for 5 years. This saves you the hassle of having to change out the water every 6 months.
	Reliance 7 Gallon Containers	These water jugs are a great way to store water in the garage. The advantage of the 7 gallon containers is that you can bring them into the house as you need them. Just be aware that 7 gallons of water is VERY heavy! These containers are not expensive. The key thing is that you want to store them in a cool place. Thoroughly wash the containers before storing the water!

You need to make sure you have fuel to boil water to both disinfect it AND to prepare freeze dried meals.  You don’t need all of these sources of fuel.  Just choose one or two options that work best for your housing situation.  See Step 5 for more details on Fuel, Heating and Power.  Here’s a guideline to help you choose for a Quick Kit:

1. If you own an outdoor BBQ, then make sure you’ve got at least 1 FULL tank of 20 lb propane.
2. BAGS of briquettes are very versatile. It is easy to create a make-shift grill with rocks and a flower pot.  And the charcoal can be used with a dutch oven.
3. Indoor options are important, especially if you are an apartment dweller or a disaster hits in the winter.
   Inexpensive:  Sterno folding stove.  The downside to the Sterno stove is that it does not burn very hot.
   More expensive: Iwatani Butane stove (about $30) offers a powerful burner that can be used indoors with good ventilation.  I own one of these and consider it my main stove in an emergency.  I like that I can take it with me if we have to evacuate.
4. If your food plan includes baked items, then get a dutch oven. It’s incredibly versatile–it can be a pot for soups, an oven for muffins or a griddle for pancakes.  It requires charcoal to generate heat, so be sure to buy bags of briquettes.
5. If you live in a cold climate or a disaster hits in winter, then consider investing in a Mr. Heater Portable Heater because they can be used indoors.  Make sure you have a really good stock of propane on hand!

Product	Description/Links	Notes
	BBQlighter	This is an important tool in your fuel plan since a lot of these options require a flame.
	Bags of charcoal briquettes	Briquettes are great because they are very economical and you can use them with a grill or a dutch oven (these are covered in the oven section below). You can get very inexpensive grills for under $20 at hardware or general stores like Target and Walmart. If you are on a tight budget, you can create a grill using a flower pot. I keep one bag of charcoal in a sealed plastic box in the garage. It is my backup and will be used for my Dutch Oven baking.  A very useful accessory for charcoal cooking is a briquette or chimney starter.
	20 lb Propane for BBQ	I recommend getting the propane tanks locally. A propane BBQ is an excellent resource for cooking during an emergency.  If you're going to rely on your outdoor BBQ for cooking, then make sure you have a good supply of propane! I keep 3 tanks on hand at all times. The more the better. The downside to the BBQ is that it must be used outdoors.
	Sterno Folding Stove and Sterno Cooking Fuel	This stove is economical AND uses a fuel that can be used indoors.  Sterno Entertainment Cooking Fuel is safe to use indoors. Each can burns up to 2 hours.  It is what caterers use to keep food warm. This is a good option for apartment dwellers who may not be allowed to have a BBQ on the premises.
	Iwatani Portable Butane Burner	This is a GREAT option for people who live in apartments.  It uses butane and this particular burner is CSA Commercial Indoor Approved. It is rated for Commercial Indoor use because it requires proper ventilation for indoor use, so be sure to have good ventilation if you use it indoors. I own one of these and it heats things very quickly.
	Butane for Iwatani Stove	You'll need specific Butane canisters for the Iwatani Stove. You can sometimes find deals at asian stores.
	Lodge Cast Iron 6qt 12 inch Dutch Oven	The dutch oven is so versatile. This one is made of iron so it will be heavy! It has been pre-seasoned, but you'll need to use cast iron techniques for cleaning (no soap). Make sure you get the dutch ovens with feet.Don't forget to get briquettes if you get a dutch oven!
	Anodized Dutch Oven – 12 Inch	This dutch oven is made of anodized aluminum so it's 1/3 the weight of the iron one. I have a bad back, so I went with the lighter one (even though it's quite a bit more expensive). You can clean anodized aluminum with soap and water.Don't forget to get briquettes if you get a dutch oven!
	Dutch Oven Lid Lifter	Regardless of which dutch oven you choose, you will want the lid lifter as an accessory. The lids can get crazy hot because you will place charcoal on the lids as well as underneath the oven! The lid lifter is worth the investment! **MAKE SURE you also invest in some good leather gloves. I have them listed on the Shopping List for this and for removing debris after a disaster.**
	Charcoal starter for use with Dutch Oven	Another really handy accessory for the dutch oven is a charcoal starter. It's just a more efficient way to get the charcoal hot before you place them above and below the dutch oven.
	Dutch Oven Cooking	This is a great website with lots of information on how to cook with a dutch oven.
	Cooking the Dutch Oven Way	I checked out a bunch of books at the library on dutch oven cooking. In the end, this was my favorite book. It's filled with recipes. It's out of print, but you can get one used on Amazon for cheap.
	Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater	I own a couple of these for sitting outside in the summer. They are awesome and get rave reviews! They use a small propane tank and can be used indoors. Don't forget to buy propane tanks for the heater!
	Mr. Heater MH18B, Portable Propane Heater	More powerful unit.
	Mr. Buddy Series Hose Assembly (10 ft)	Allows you to connect your Buddy Heater to a larger propane tank.

These are all important items for disaster preparedness.  I have indicated which ones are on the FEMA list.

Top priority is to get a First Aid Kit and First Aid Manual.  The additional items will expand your first aid kit to handle more types of emergencies.

This is a SMALL SUBSET of the First Aid kit that you can assemble.  Be sure to check out the information on First Aid Kits to see other items that you should gradually add to your kit.

If you have a pet, you will also want to look at information on Pet First Aid Kits.

There’s a good chance you may not be home when a disaster strikes.  Make sure your car has a mini Disaster Kit so that you can be ready for a traffic jam or long walk home.

This is a basic kit for the car.  It will make sure you have Food, Water and Warmth.  Check out Step 7 for more information on preparing your car.  Also take a look at the Car Bag List.  You may have many of these items and you can just throw them into your Car Kit.

Use an old backpack to store your Car Kit items.  I use one with wheels in case I have to walk miles after an earthquake.

Product	Description/Links	Notes
	Case of 24 Blue Cans of Water (50 year shelf life) 16 in BOB 4 in each car ON A BUDGET: Buy these with friends and split the cost.	FEMA Basic Kit Item-Food & Water These cans are not cheap but they last 50 years!!!  They get great reviews on taste, even when left in the heat.  And each can holds 12 ounces (or 1.5 cups).  I personally chose this option because I saw it as a one time investment.  I then put the cans in the cars and in our Bug Out Bins.  I love that I don't have to ever worry about rotating them!
	Datrex Water Pouches (125 ml or 1/2 cup each) (5 year shelf life) pack 6 for each family member and 6 for each pet (e.g. 24 for family of 4) get a case of these and pack some in car backpack	FEMA Basic Kit Item-Food & Water These water pouches are another option for portable water. They are compact and have 5 year shelf life (even in warm conditions).  Each pouch containes 125 ml of water (or about 1/2 cup). They pack well and are inexpensive to purchase.  The biggest issue I have with the water pouches is that you can't put them down.  They also only last 5 years and they have some poor reviews on taste.
	Datrex 3600 Calorie Food Bar 2 for 1 Week Meal Plan 2 for Bug Out Bag 2 for car	FEMA Basic Kit Item An earthquake, bad winter storm or road accident can bring traffic to a complete standstill for HOURS! These 3600 Calorie food bars will make sure you don’t go hungry. They be stored in the car for up to 5 years. ALSO Purchase as snacks for meal plan
	Insulated Bag for 3600 Bars and Water	You will want to store the 3600 Calorie Bars and portable water in insulated bags if you plan to put them in the car. These bags will help protect its contents against high temperatures.
	Small First Aid Kit for car	FEMA Basic Kit Item Injuries can happen when you are away from home. A first aid kit in the car keeps your family prepared!
	HotHands 18 hr Warmers (instant heat pack)	It can get really cold if your car breaks down in the winter! These heat packs last 18 hours and will keep everyone warm as you wait for help to arrive. They are especially great when combined with the Reflective Thermal Blankets below. These can also be used as heat packs for your First Aid Kit.
	Reflective Thermal Blanket	These are great for the car! I keep these and the HotHand warmers in case we get stranded in the winter. I keep 4 in each car and put the other 2 in the Bug Out bin. ** These blankets are part of a Pet First Aid Kit so be sure to get one for your pet. **
	Rain ponchos with hood for each family member	Staying dry is key to staying warm. I keep these inexpensive ponchos in the car at all times.
	Running Snail Radio	FEMA Basic Kit Item I keep a Running Snail radio in each car. The reason I like this radio is that it takes AAA batteries. I want multiple sources of energy. If a disaster strikes at night, then solar won't be an option. I don't want to be left cranking the radio the entire time, so I like to have the option to use good old batteries.
	Hausbell Ultra Bright Mini	FEMA Basic Kit Item LED Flashlights - preferably 1 for each family member.
	LED Headlamp(s)	FEMA Basic Kit Item LED Headlamps are a great safety item for the car. It will allow you to work on things with both hands. I keep one in my Bug Out Bin and one in each car.
	Batteries for Radio and Flashlights	FEMA Basic Kit Item The Running Snail radio takes AAA batteries as a backup option. I keep a set of these in the car with the radio.
	HEIMDALL Safety Whistles (2 PACK) 120+ decibals	FEMA Basic Kit Item Remember the scene in "Titanic" where Rose blows the whistle to get the attention of rescuers? A whistle can help rescuers find loved ones in a disaster situation. These whistles are 120 decibels and can be heard over a MILE away! I keep one in each car and in our bedrooms.
		Lightsticks are an inexpensive light source. They last about 12 hours and are good for highlighting dangerous areas at night. I put them in the car, because they can be used as make-shift flares at night. They are not as effective as flares during the day though.
	Car Safety - Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter	Imagine being trapped in a car because the electric windows won't work or the seatbelt won't release! Make sure your loved ones have this tool in their car so that they can escape if needed. It has a hammer for breaking the window and a razor for slicing the seatbelt.
	Multi-Function Tool	A multi function tool gives you an assortment of tools in a very compact package. I keep one in each car.

Your cell phone will be essential after a disaster.  The last thing you want is a dead battery.  Make sure you have ways to charge your phones.