Print
EmailFire Department - Emergency Management 
Emergency Supply Kit
The time to gather your emergency supplies is BEFORE the emergency happens. Not only will you find it easier to determine your supply needs when things are calm, you will also avoid the crowds and chaos in the stores.
The contents of your kit should be reviewed periodically and refreshed as needed. Many people use the days when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends as a convenient time to check their emergency preparations (not only the supplies below but also your emergency plans and the batteries in your smoke detectors).
Emergency supplies should be stored in a convenient carrier, preferably a closed, waterproof box. Food items and water should be handled so as to keep them fresh and safe.
"Building Family Disaster Supply Kits" - brochure in 
pdf format
CLICK HERE for a printable Shopping List of supplies for your Emergency Kit.
One Storm ™ is an excellent site that allows you to create your emergency kit online, and then builds a shopping list for you. It also keeps track of personal info, medications, pet descriptions and needs, and much more. Very user friendly.
FOOD and WATER
- Water (drinking) - At least 1 gallon per person, per day for a minimum of 3 days up to a period of 1 week. This will ensure that you have drinkable water should flooding compromise the City's water supply.
- Water (cleaning & sanitation) - You will want to fill your bathtub and other available containers with water immediately before a storm arrives (in the case of a hurricane, etc.). This is NOT water for drinking, but rather for cleaning and sanitation.
- Ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods (canned
or packaged) - It may not be possible to cook foods, should power be out,
so it is important to have foods that are easy to prepare. 3-day supply.
Consider foods high in energy, such as peanut butter, jelly, granola, dried
fruits, nuts, trail mixes, breads, crackers, cookies, etc. - Foods for special diets, including the elderly
and infants
- Manual Can Opener and Bottle Opener
- Paper plates, utensils, towels
Avoid foods high in fat and salt, as this will increase the need for water.
PERSONAL ITEMS
- Blankets, pillows, bedding items
- Basic toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Moist towels or baby wipes for clean-ups
- Change of clothes for each family member,
along with boots and a set of old clothes that you won't mind getting wet/muddy
after a storm
- Baby care items
- Personal items for the elderly
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
- Flashlights, batteries and bulbs (do not
use candles or kerosene lamps due to their hazard for fire)
- Portable radio and batteries, also a weather
radio
- Clock - wind-up or battery powered
- Fire Extinguishers (always keep one in
the kitchen and garage, and check them regularly)
- Rabbit-ears antenna to attach to your TV
if cable goes out
- Extra set of keys for cars and house
- Important documents in a waterproof bag
or container
- Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers
- Social Security cards, deeds, other vital records
- Documentation of all valuables, including photos or video, if possible
- Small toys, books, entertainment items
for children
- Basic tools for minor repairs
- Items for the care of your pets
Some documents on this page are in
PDF format.
Download free Adobe
Acrobat Reader to view files.
City of Chesapeake, Virginia