Tsunami, Earthquakes, Snowstorms, Flooding...Are you a prepared Alaskan?

This checklist can help you prepare for any emergency or disaster.

Detailed how-to guides are available at the Fire Department and other emergency service organizations.

FOOD PREPARATION / COOKING

• Have a rotating stock of 14-30 days of basic canned and bulk foods you like to eat
• Comfort foods, snacks, vitamins
• Baby needs (diapers, bottle liners, formula, baby wipes, etc.)
• Paper plates, aluminum foil, zip-lock bags
• Non-electric can opener
• Propane ranges most will operate without electricity (not for space heating)
• Portable propane stove (use in well ventilated areas only)
• Charcoal barbecues and gasoline stoves (use outside only)
• Fireplace or wood stove can warm or cook food and melt snow

WATER

• Store water in jugs or bottles
• Water heater (turn off before draining)
• Toilet tanks (water is safe in tank)
• Pools, tubs (store water for washing, etc.)
• Snow melting requires a lot of fuel
• Streams (must be treated)
• Water treatment filters or water treatment tablets to treat drinking water
• Household bleach to treat raw water, add 16 drops per gallon of water and allow to stand for 30 minutes for chlorine to act

HEAT

• Wood stoves and fireplaces
• Clean, inspect and maintain chimneys
• Matches, fire starter, and adequate firewood for 30 days continuous use
• Kerosene heaters and other fueled space heaters (use in well ventilated areas only)

POWER

• Surge protectors for electrical equipment especially computers
• Unplug unnecessary appliances if power goes out to avoid power surges
• Portable generator, extension cords, and fuel for generator (operate generator outside)
• AA battery pack adapter for cellular phones
• Batteries for flashlights, radios, etc. (store in refrigerator for longer life)
• Hearing aid or other special use batteries

LIGHTS

• Flashlights
• Propane lanterns (use in well ventilated areas only)
• Oil lanterns and lantern fuel
• Candles
• Matches placed with each lantern and candle

SANITATION

• Extra trash bags for trash
• Paper towels, toilet paper, and towelettes
• Outhouse, portable toilet or five-gallon pail with trash bag liners
• Personal hygiene items and baby wipes

CLOTHING / BEDDING

• Warm clothing
• Sleeping bags or extra blankets and quilts

PET SUPPLIES

• Food & water
• Medicine

FINANCES

• Cash (one week to one month cash reserve)
• Records (up to date copies of all financial records)

DOCUMENTS

• Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, and Wills
• Passports, Social Security cards, mortgage papers, and payment histories
• Last year's tax records
• Insurance policies and investment records
• Bank account records, loan payments, bill receipts, credit card records
• Lease Agreements, Deed of Trust, promissory notes
• School / college transcripts
• Medical records and vaccination records

MEDICAL

• Alternative housing plan if required due to a medical condition
• Prescriptions (thirty day supply)
• Medications and medical supplies

TRANSPORTATION

• Fill all fuel tanks

HOME SAFETY

• Complete First-Aid kit
• Large fire extinguisher(s)
• Battery operated smoke detector and CO detector
• Portable radio
• Basic tool kit
• Know location of utility shut-offs (water, electricity, water, propane, etc.)
• Store extra fuel in an appropriate safe location

Consider placing essential items in a kit or cache location so they can be found quickly.

Consider possible relocation sites if your home is uninhabitable for any reason.