Emergency Supplies

The following is a list of basic supplies that might be needed in an emergency.  You should add items to this list or remove them based on your own situation.
            Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
            Emergency preparedness manual*
            Battery or dynamo-operated radio and extra batteries*
            Flashlight and extra batteries (consider one of the new shake- or dynamo-powered types)*
            Cash or traveler's checks, change*
            Non-electric can opener, utility knife, bottle opener
            Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type (preferably one for the kitchen and one for the garage)
            Tube tent
            Pliers and wrenches.  Make sure you have whatever tool you need to shut off your gas and water supply in case of a leak (and be sure you know where the shutoffs are).
            Duct Tape.  This stuff is great for sealing things (e.g. trying to make packages waterproof).
            Compass
            Matches in a waterproof container and/or butane lighter (the type with a long nozzle will be most useful)
            Aluminum foil
            Oven mitts and tongs.  If you're going to be cooking, you will need a way to handle hot stuff.
            Plastic storage containers
            Plastic garbage bags.  Get several sizes, including some extra-heavy duty construction bags from the home improvement store.  You'll use them both before and after the emergency.
            Zip-type freezer bags.  You'll use them to protect valuable things as well as store water in the freezer.
            Signal flare
            Paper, pencil
            Needles, thread
            Medicine dropper
            Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
            Whistle
            Plastic sheeting
            Map of the area (for locating shelters)
            Bleach (non-scented).  You can use this for sterilizing containers, and for purifying water.
            Anti-Bacterial hand soap or hand cleaner.  After the disaster you should wash your hands a lot.
            Cheap corded phone.  Often the phone service works even when the power goes out.  Make sure it's a cheap one; fancy phones usually will not work without A/C power.  Get a long cord for it.