• Water:  one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, to use for drinking and sanitation. Water should be no older than 6 months, so switch out every New Years and 4th of July, as a rule/suggestion
• Food:  at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, stored in a cool, dry place!
• Communications:  have a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for bot

• Flashlight and extra batteries
  

• First Aid Kit

• Whistles: to wear around yours and your children's necks, to signal for help

• Dust masks (N-94s are best for particulate, esp. after a fire):  to help filter contaminated air, heavy plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers:  to turn off utilities and appliances, if needed
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger, in case a signal is possible

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:

• Prescription medications in waterproof bag(s) and reading glasses, if needed
• Infant formula and diapers, for young children
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks and some change in a plastic, waterproof bag(s)
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the plans developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and the American Citizen Corps, to help you organize your information.
• Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or free information from can be found on our partner, the American Red Cross's website:  www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/get-a-kit
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate and have Winter emergencies or power outages.
• Three complete changes of clothing, including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water, as used in swimming pools. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Or, buy water purifier tablets from a local camping store or outdoor outlet.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container / bag.
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items, if needed for the family
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children, and kids of all ages
• Candles in glass jars or Yankee Candle syle packaging, to prevent a fire vs. candle tapers

Good luck with your Emergency Kit and family plans, in case of severe storms, power outages and any type of disaster in Bronxville, NY 10708, or the New York area.      

~ Forrest & Hillary Sheperd