05:28 PM CDT on Monday, May 22, 2006

Associated Press

With the 2006 hurricane season less than two weeks away, Gulf Coast residents are urged to assemble and maintain a disaster supply kit. Supplies should be stored in easy-to-carry objects such as a large, covered trash container, camping backpack or duffel bag.

Disaster kits should include the following:

WATER

Plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day.

FOOD

Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Choose foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation and are compact and lightweight. Among the recommended items: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water); high-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health food bars and trail mix.

FIRST AID

Items should include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, needles, antiseptic, thermometer, tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant, cleansing agent-soap, sunscreen, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication and antacid.

SUPPLIES & TOOLS

Items should include battery-operated radio and extra batteries, non-electric can opener, utility knife, fire extinguisher, pliers, tape, compass, matches in waterproof container, aluminum foil, signal flares, paper and pencils, needles and thread, whistle, plastic sheeting.

CLOTHING & BEDDING

Items should include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, rain gear, a blanket or sleeping bag per person, thermal underwear, sunglasses.

SANITATION

Items should include toilet paper, towelettes, soap, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags and ties, plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, household bleach.

SPECIAL ITEMS

Include items for those with special needs, such as infants, the elderly or disabled individuals.

For babies: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications.

For the elderly: insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Keep the following records in a waterproof container: Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds; passports, social security cards, immunization records; savings and checking account numbers; credit card account numbers and companies; inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers; family records (birth, marriage, death certificates.)

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)