What to do: Individual
Pack an emergency supply kit
Keep an emergency supply kit in your home/residence hall and also at work or in your car. A backpack or duffle bag works well. Consider including the following in your kit:
- Three-day supply of water and non-perishable food (one gallon per person per day, canned goods, crackers, snack bars, etc.). Pack a can opener, fork, spoon, sharp knife, and cup.
- Special supplies (baby items, medications, extra eyeglasses, plastic bags for documents and sanitation, etc.)
- Sanitation supplies (toilet paper, toothbrush, soap, antibacterial wipes, etc.)
- Fully stocked first aid kit. Kit should include quality bandages (one large pad), triple antibiotic ointment, antifungal ointment, eye drops, packaged wipes, Tylenol/acetaminophen or other analgesic, saline solution, tape, burn ointment, tweezers, small magnifying glass, and needle and thread.
- Battery-powered AM/FM radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries for radio and flashlight
- Copies of important documents (driver’s license or ID, passport/visa, birth certificates, phone numbers, etc.) in a waterproof case or bag
- Cash, CTA/Metra card, and/or credit card. In addition, a phone card can be very useful for pay phones in the event you do not have access to a cell phone.
- Keys to your home and car
- Blanket
- Map (can be useful when explaining directions).
- Change of clothes and shoes (make sure they are weather appropriate).
- Permanent marker (in case you need to leave a message somewhere).
