Also have a roll of paper towels, and three rolls of toilet paper. You should also consider feminine needs products, and if you have babies, or toddlers, extra diapers.
If you have babies, if you are a lactating woman, plan to drink more water than the gallon, and also have some formula and way to prepare it. This means extra water, and yes, clean bottles already for a few days.
These are really minimum standards. Realize cycling your food is really easy. When you buy new cans, place them behind the old cans. That way you use older stock first. I am almost betting that most of you actually have the food, nothing luxurious, but you have some of this already. Going over your supplies every so often, like every six months, is not a bad idea either. Or if you prefer after every major scare anywhere in the country.
Next Priority.
I mentioned the can opener, let me add a multitool, a flashlight (invest in a good one, you will be glad you did) and a transistor radio. Ok, why the radio? In our world we are used to the internet. I can guarantee in a major disaster the net will go down, but the AM band will be on. In San Diego County the Emergency Station is KOGO 600.
There are many choices for that radio, ranging from cheap ones that you can get at five to fifteen dollars that run on batteries, they will serve, all the way to the hand cranked ones that can also charge your devices and have a weather band. If you can afford it, get one that can do that. If not, make sure you have that cheap radio and extra batteries. Trust me, in a disaster your main source of OFFICIAL information will come through that AM channel. And yes, I know that many people discount the radio, since we all think the web will be around.
We recently bought a solar charger for our devices. They can be found for about twenty dollars, and are worth the investment.
Now this is as barebones of a list as it gets. And it is a good start. You are far from done, but it will help you to get started and to get in the habit of preparedness.
Other Things to Consider.
These other steps are essential but not in the need to get to first category.
Cash at hand. Try to have forty dollars, as a minimum, as an emergency reserve at home. Stores lose power, they will not take your credit card. Also make sure you have prescription medications and a spare pair of glasses. As to the medicines, either slowly work yourself to a month, or ask your doctor for an extra prescription.
Bleach, will disinfect your water, two drops for a gallon. Oh and that water tank behind your toilet, that is a reservoir of water unless you put something on it to keep it clean. Before a storm approaches fill your tub with water that will be used to wash dishes, and other things, do not confuse your drinking water with your washing water. If we have another blackout, fill containers as soon as possible.
Dust mask.
Sturdy Gloves
Sturdy Shoes.
Garbage bags.
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