HOME/PERSONAL BASIC EMERGENCY KIT
The Woodbridge Police Department would like to pass along to all those who visit our website material received from the State of Connecticut Department of Military suggesting the 15 basic items to (build a kit).
1. Water 
1 gallon of water per person, per day, for three days.
2. Flashlight 
With extra batteries and/or glow sticks.
3. Bandages 
A first aid kit with sufficient bandaging, antibiotic ointments.
4. Portable Radio/Television 
Battery operated electronics with extra batteries.
5. Map of local area 
In case evacuation to shelters is necessary, suggest maps of Woodbridge and New Haven County is available.
6. Food 
A three-day supply of non-perishable, high protein, high calorie food that family members enjoy: energy bars, canned tuna, peanut butter, etc.
7. Manual can opener 
8. Crescent wrench 
For utility shut-off’s and versatile wrench application.
9. Money 
Extra cash, currency and coins.
10. Clothing 
Blankets, extra clothing, sturdy shoes/boots, gloves and outerwear.
11. Pet Supplies 
Food and water allotted for your pet’s specific needs.
12. Contacts 
Develop an emergency contact list, phone numbers, cellphones, and alternate ways of remaining in communication with family, friends, and support system.
13. Duct tape, plastic sheeting/large plastic garbage bags.
Numerous applications for plastic and duct tape from sealing inside windows, doorways (as necessary), or for sanitary storage of dirty clothing, scraps, etc.
14. Copy of American Red Cross “Before Disaster Strikes” booklet.
www.arcsct.org
15. Other important items:
Insure that there is at least a three-day supply of prescription medications, extra pair of eyeglasses, and copies of vital documents (marriage certificate, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports) and those personal comfort items such as books, magazines, supplies for your hobbies, or toys for the little ones.
HOW TO STORE YOUR KIT
Keep your disaster supplies kit in a rugged, but easy to carry container, such as a large covered trashcan or storage bin, overnight backpacks or duffle bags. You should always keep a smaller version of the kit in the trunk of your car. If you become stranded, or not able to return home, have some items with you that will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.
MAKE A PLAN
In the event of an emergency, the more you have planned out ahead of time, the calmer you and your family will be.
Take the time to talk about (realistic) potential disasters, established emergency contacts, train and evacuate in your home, and predetermine at least two common meeting places that you can direct your family members to meet at during an emergency situation (churches, organizations, hotels, schools, etc.)
The five steps should be used as your guide through this process. TALK, TRAIN, TAKE STEPS, TELL, and TEST. For more information on disaster preparedness, literature, and presentations offered by your local chapter of the American Red Cross, please visit the website listed earlier to secure additional information.
In closing, these are times of high stress and anxiety, but we must remain disciplined to try to continue our life as usual and not generate unnecessary panic. The more you prepare in advance, the better you and your family will feel. During these meetings questions may be asked that you may not be able to answer. Do not hesitate to contact your local Police Department or the American Red Cross, as necessary. We must ensure, at a minimum, that communications remain open and that a contact list of family, friends and vital contacts is available.