• Water: One gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days; best to have a 5-to-7 day supply
• Juice: Juice and enhanced waters in boxes and plastic bottles.
• Milk: Powdered or shelf-stable, in single-serving boxes. (Store more water if you are planning to use powdered milk.)
• Crackers: For snacking or eating with cheese and cold cuts from the fridge just after power goes out.
• Fruit: Single-serving fruit cups and applesauce. When a storm is a few days away, buy apples and oranges.
• Healthier snacks: Granola bars, Fruit Roll-Ups, dried fruit, rice cakes, nuts and trail mix offer nutrition and have a long shelf life.
• Comfort food: You might as well buy the Twinkies (or Pop-Tarts, doughnuts, Nutter Butters or Little Debbies). You know you’re going to crave them.
• Canned soups, chili, vegetables, stews: They can be eaten cold but can also be heated in a pot on the grill.
• Cereal: Vitamin-fortified cereal can be eaten dry or with boxed or powdered milk.
• Preserved meats: Beef jerky is high-protein, low-carb and good for diabetics. Canned tuna, chicken, even Spam, also provide protein.
• Condiments: Mayonnaise is generally a no-no because of refrigeration issues, but buy the smallest jar you can and make tuna or chicken salad. Look for condiments – ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, relish, salt and pepper – in individual packets.
• Can Opener
• Trash bags
• Paper Cups/Plates, Plastic Utensils

Important Documents

• Wills
• Insurance Cards
• Contracts and Deeds
• Social Security Cards
• Photo ID/Drivers License
• Passports
• Immunization Records
• Bank Account Numbers
• Important Phone Numbers/Emergency Contacts
• Inventory of Valuable Household Goods
• Birth Certificates
• Current Photos of Family Members and Pets.

Tools/Supplies

• Cash
• Area Map
• Battery Operated Flashlight
• Battery/Solar/Crank Powered Radio
• Battery-Powered TV
• Extra Batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)
• Wrench, Pliers, Screwdriver Set
• Matches Candles
• Bag of Charcoal and Lighter fluid
• Lighter or Matches
• Can Opener

Toiletries

• Toilet Paper/ Towelettes
• Towels
• Soap/Sanitizer
• Feminine Items
• Personal Hygiene Items (Deoderant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shaving Cream, Razor, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Blankets or Sleeping Bags
• Contact Lenses, Lens Case, Solution
• Eyeglasses, Sunglasses

Medications and First Aid

• Empty Prescription Bottles
• Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs
• Cooler for Insulin Preservation, If Necessary
• Diabetic Testing Supplies, If Necessary
• Sterile Adhesive Bandages in Assorted Sizes
• Sterile Gauze Pads
• Latex Gloves
• Antiseptic
• Petroleum Jelly
• Scissors
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Tongue Depressor
• Mosquito repellant

Clothing

• Sturdy Shoes
• Rain Gear