Portable Kit

As we have seen from some of the recent disasters (Katrina and Rita, for example), there are times when it is best to "get out of Dodge" in a hurry.  As a result, you should prepare a portable kit that you can throw in the car (along with the family) in a hurry.  These may also be used if you plan on "riding it out." These are in addition to those items that you should normally keep in your car.
            Water, amounts for portable kits will vary.  Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably outside the home and be able to transport to other locations
            Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
            Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
            Flashlight and extra batteries
            First Aid kit
            Whistle to signal for help
            Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
            Moist towelettes for sanitation
            Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
            Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Bottle opener (After an emergency, bottlers of beer and soda often turn their assembly lines over to producing bottles or cans of water for the victims. You may need a way to open them.)
            Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
            Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers, and important family documents
            Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Toilet paper

Clothing and Bedding:
If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth.  It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat.  Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes.
         One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:
              A jacket or coat
              Long pants
              A long sleeve shirt
              Sturdy shoes
              A hat and gloves
              A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
         Other items to consider adding to your Supply Kit:
              Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or a print out of this information
              Rain gear
              Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
              Cash or traveler's checks, change (remember: no power = no ATM machines)
              Paper towels
              Fire Extinguisher
              Tent
              Compass
              Matches in a waterproof container
              Signal flare
              Paper, pencil
              Medicine dropper
              Feminine supplies
              Personal hygiene items
              Disinfectant
              Household chlorine bleach - You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water.  Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water.  Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
            Important Family Documents:
Keep copies of important family records such as insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.  You can use this EFFAK (Emergency Financial First Aid Kit) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.