Ready Orange County

ReadyOC provides information on emergency kits, plans, and general preparedness for home, school, seniors, pets, and those with disabilities.

Build a Kit

• Water, 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Maps for Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties
• Cell phone with chargers

Make a Plan

• Identify an out-of town contact for every member of your household. Phone lines are often busy or out of service during major disasters, and it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town.
• Equip your family with the contact’s phone number and a cell phone or prepaid phone card. Program your emergency contact as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. You can also add a designated “Home” or “Work” entry so that these phone numbers can be easily accessed in an emergency situation.
• Teach family members how to use text messaging. This tactic can be used when network disruptions prevent a phone call from connecting.
• Empower your kids to become part of the emergency planning process. Quiz kids about the family plan at dinner. Explain where the family will reunite after an emergency. Shop for your emergency supply kit with the kids. Be sure they know where the kits are stored.