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Personal Needs

Testing Blood

Personal needs include provisions, supplies, and equipment necessary to protect the health and safety of your family in an emergency.

The Basics

  • Water
  • Nonperishable and ready-to-eat food, including special foods—such as nutrition drinks and ready-to-feed formula—for infants, people with dietary restrictions, food sensitivities and allergies, and medical conditions such as diabetes.
  • Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact lens solution.
  • Assistive technologies, such as hearing aids and picture boards.
  • Medical alert identification bracelet or necklace
  • Health protection supplies, including insect repellent, water purification tablets, and sunscreen.
  • A change of clothes
  • Medical equipment, including:
    • Canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs
    • Nebulizers
    • Oxygen equipment
    • Blood sugar monitors
  • Medical supplies, including:
    • Antibacterial wipes
    • Catheters
    • Syringes
    • Nasal cannulas
    • Blood test strips
  • First aid supplies, including:
  • Sanitation and hygiene items, including:
    • Soap
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Sanitizing wipes
    • Garbage bags and plastic ties
    • Toilet paper
    • Feminine hygiene supplies
  • Pet supplies
  • Childcare supplies
  • Baby supplies

Quick Tips

  • Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Pack emergency supplies in a portable and durable container(s), such as plastic bin, duffle bag, backpack, a trash can with a lid, and/or carry-on luggage.
  • Shop for canned (not jarred) foods. Undamaged, commercially-prepared foods in all-metal cans or retort pouches can be saved if you remove the labels, thoroughly wash the cans, rinse them, and then disinfect them with a sanitizing solution of 1 cup (8 oz/240 mL) of unscented household chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of clean water.
  • Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Store more water for hot climates, for pregnant women, and for people who are sick.
  • Update your supplies every six (6) months. Remove, use, and replace any food and water, prescription medications, and supplies before they expire.
  • Kids like to help. Use Ready Wrigley checklists and activity books to help explain emergency preparedness to children and involve them in gathering supplies.

Resources

Are you resilient?

A person’s “resilience” is their ability to bounce back from a difficult or life-changing event—like the diagnosis of chronic disease or the impacts of a natural disaster. People are more resilient and better able to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity when they make healthy choices, including the decision to prepare for emergencies. Communities are more resilient when their citizens are prepared.

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