Experts recommend creating a disaster kit, bit by bit

Residents of southwest Missouri know spring and winter weather is unpredictable.

To help protect your family during the winter, Amanda Marney, an agriculture preparedness specialist with University of Missouri Extension, recommends packing a disaster kit now.

Winter disaster kits include provisions for the entire family in case winter weather causes roads to be closed or causes power outages that impact your home.

"The thought of putting together a disaster kit can seem overwhelming. There are many supplies to purchase, and budgets are tight. To help make it easier to purchase the contents of a disaster kit, you can break down items to be purchased over a three month period," said Marney.

For a family of four, the entire kit costs less than $100 per month.

"You probably already have some of the suggested items and just need to supplement the rest to make your disaster kit," said Marney.

During the first month, Roberts recommends purchasing water, basic foods and ready-to-eat items. Suggestions for a family of four include: tuna (four cans), chicken ( two cans), chili (two cans), canned pasta (eight cans), soups (two cans), vegetables (8 cans), juices (one six-pack), fruit (three cans), peanut butter (one jar), powdered milk one box), cereal (one box), granola bars (one box), trail mix (one box), jelly (one jar), crackers (one box), sugar, salt/pepper, and water (1 gallon per person per day).

Purchase basic supplies, personal hygiene and cooking supplies during the second month. Phase two includes the following items: toothbrush, toothpaste, moist wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine items, brush and comb (one each), prescription medications, baby items, charcoal (one bag), lighter fluid (one can), manual can opener, paper towels (two rolls), and one package each of paper plates, paper bowls, plastic cups, plastic ware, plastic storage bags.

During the third month, purchase the following miscellaneous supplies: radio (weather, FM/AM), light source (flashlight, battery operated lamps, oil lanterns, light sticks), batteries, first aid kit, matches (one box) or butane lighter, whistle, trash bags (one box), bleach (1 gallon jug), disinfectant (one bottle), aspirin (one bottle), anti-diarrheal (one bottle), antacid (one bottle), pencil and paper, corded phone, several candles, blankets, towels, basic tools, plastic sheeting, duct tape and clothing items (sturdy shoes, work gloves, hat, rain gear).

Marney also has a video titled, "How to Prepare a Disaster Kit" in which she demonstrates the types of things needed for a disaster kit. This video can be found online at YouTube.com, or linked to from the regional MU Extension website: http://extension.missouri.edu/swregion.

For more information on disaster kits or other preparedness topics, contact Amanda Marney, agriculture preparedness specialist, at (417) 461-1319 or by e-mail at marneya@missouri.edu.