Water tops the disaster kit list — a gallon (4.5 litres) a day per person for at least three days, which should be stored in clean containers at home, at work and in the car.
Tinned food supplies that require no cooking — preserved fruits, meats and vegetables, peanut butter and powdered baby milk — are to be set aside in a cool, dark place with a tin opener.
“You probably won’t have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you’ll need,” the advice says. “Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.”
A first-aid kit should consist of safety pins, cleansing agents, antibiotic cream, latex gloves petroleum jelly, 2in and 4in sterile gauze pads triangular bandages, 2in and 3in sterile roller bandages, cotton balls, scissors, tweezers, needle, moist towelettes, antiseptic, thermometer, tongue depressor blades, sunscreen and, finally, back-up supplies of any required prescription drugs.
Among the recommended items to be set aside are a whistle, fire extinguisher, compass, work gloves, paper, pens, pencils, needles and thread.
Also in the store should be an alarm clock, paper cups and plates, plastic cutlery, a knife, bleach, sugar, salt, pepper, aluminium foil and clingfilm; resealable plastic bags, cooking stove and fuel.
In the interests of hygiene, towels, soap, hand-cleaner, detergent, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, comb, brush, razor and shaving cream are recommended. Not to be forgotten are lip balm, insect repellent, contact lens solution and mirror.
Rubbish bags, toilet paper, a plastic bucket and shovel are suggested. Finally, extra sets of keys, bedding and clothing — to be removed and discarded if you are contaminated — are required.
A sealed, watertight box ought to include copies or originals of crucial documents including passports and birth certificates. And wills.
