Emergency Supplies | Washington County, OR

An emergency can happen at any time. Being ready means having emergency supplies on hand. These supplies should meet the needs of everyone at home, including pets. Consider having supplies at work or school, in your car – anywhere you spent lots of time.

You need emergency supplies for:

Home (2 weeks)
Work/School (1 day)
Vehicle (1 day)

Home: 2 weeks of emergency supplies Essential

Essential

Water – 1 gallon per person per day
Food with a long shelf life and a can opener
First aid kit
Flashlights
Fire extinguishers
Water filter and disinfection supplies

Useful

Personal hygiene and sanitation items
Emergency toilet (EmergencyToilet.org)
Cash in small bills
Tools to turn off utilities (wrench or pliers)
Battery powered radio
Extra batteries

Personal

Prescription medicines
Infant supplies
Pet supplies
Extra pair of glasses
Copies of important documents
Blankets and warm clothes
Games

Work/School: 1 day of emergency supplies

If you spend a lot of time somewhere each day, such as work or school, you should have some essential emergency supplies in a “go bag.” Supplies to have in your bag include:

Water – 1 gallon
Food or high energy snacks
First aid kit
Prescription medicine
Cash in small bills
Cell phone charger or power bank
Change of clothes

Emergency supplies: Tips from the pros

Save money by buying supplies when they are on sale. Check out discount stores for great deals.
Store your supplies in a cool dry place that is easy to access. In your car, try to keep supplies out of light.
Tell everyone at home where emergency supplies are stored.
Write expiration dates on food items. Check dates when the clocks change and replace items as needed.
Keep three days of your supplies at home in the form of a “go kit.” Backpacks or cloth shopping bags with handles work great.
Inspire family, friends, and neighbors to get prepared by talking about it and sharing this flyer.

Vehicle: 1 day of emergency supplies

Having emergency supplies in your vehicle can be a life saver. Store these supplies in a bag that is kept in an unlit/low light and dry place. Include items for the seasons.

Always include

Water – small bottles that thaw easily
Food or high energy snacks
First aid kit
Flashlight or head lamp
Jumper cables
Tools (for changing a tire or basic repairs)
Cell phone charger
Road flares or reflective hazard triangle
Sturdy shoes

Add these items for summer

Extra water
Sunscreen
Fans

Add these items for winter

Warm clothes and rain gear or poncho
Ice scraper
Chains or other traction devices
Small shovel

Supplies spotlight

Home Hand crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio You can find ones with built in flashlights or cell phone chargers.
Work/School Power bank If the power goes out, you can charge your cell phone multiple times. These are great for travel too.
Vehicle Headlamp Frees up your hands while gathering emergency supplies or making repairs.