National Preparedness Month: Is Your Disaster Kit Ready? Published Sept. 18, 2025 By Brandon Ashcraft WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As National Preparedness Month continues, now is the perfect time to evaluate your individual and family readiness for potential emergencies. One of the most important steps is assembling a disaster preparedness kit. This kit provides essential supplies to help you and your family navigate the initial hours and days following a disaster. According to Ready.gov, a basic disaster supplies kit should be stored in airtight plastic bags and placed in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. It should include several days’ worth of nonperishable food and at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation. Other essential items include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert), flashlight, well-stocked first aid kit and extra batteries. Consider adding a whistle to signal for help, dust mask, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place, as well as moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation. A wrench or pliers for turning off utilities and a manual can opener are also vital. Don’t forget local maps and a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery. Additional items may be needed depending on your family’s circumstances. These could include soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, prescription medications, nonprescription medications such as pain relievers, and prescription eyeglasses or contact lens solution. Families with infants should include formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream. Pet owners should add pet food and extra water for their animals. Cash or traveler’s checks can be invaluable if electronic payment systems are unavailable. It is also important to gather family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records, and store them electronically or in a waterproof container. Other recommended items include sleeping bags or warm blankets, a complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate, sturdy shoes, fire extinguisher, and matches in a waterproof container. Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, mess kits, paper and pencil, and books, games or puzzles for children should also be considered. Once your kit is assembled, it’s important to maintain it. Keep canned food in a cool, dry place, store boxed food in tightly closed containers and replace expired items regularly. Review your needs each year and update the kit as your family’s circumstances change. Remember to have kits prepared for home, work and your car. Your home kit should be in a designated place known to all family members. Your work kit should allow you to shelter in place for at least 24 hours, including food, water, medicines and comfortable walking shoes. In your car, keep a kit of emergency supplies in case you are stranded. For more information on disaster preparedness and local resources, contact your unit emergency preparedness coordinator or the Wright-Patterson AFB Emergency Management Office at 937-257-3634. Being prepared can make all the difference if disaster strikes, ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones.