How to Build a Disaster Kit

The Tampa Bay area is included in the five-day cone of uncertainty for Tropical Storm Isaac. While that's no gaurantee that Gulfport and the rest of Pinellas County will be impacted, emergency officials are urging people to prepare now.

Be sure to find out your evacuation zone, prepare a plan for you and your family and build a disaster kit before the storm arrives.

Here’s what the FEMA recommends for a basic disaster kit, first aid kit and additional emergency supplies.

Basic Disaster Kit:

• Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Weather Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlight: Pack at least one flashlight and extra batteries.
• First Aid: At least a basic first aid kit.
• Whistle: Whistle to signal for help
• Mask: Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
• Bags: Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Tools: Wrench of pliers to turn off utilities.
• Can Opener: Manual can opener for food
• Maps: Local maps
• Phone: Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Supplies for a First Aid Kit:

• Latex or other sterile gloves
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
• Cleaning agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as a general decontaminant
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications
• Prescribed medical supplies

Additional Emergency Supplies:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents (insurance policies, identification and bank account records) in a portable waterproof container.
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Source: FEMA