This past year has been full of natural disasters around the world: the tsunami, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mudslides, floods and hurricanes. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we may think we are immune to such large-scale disasters, but no one knows what the future may hold.

Having a home medical kit ready for emergencies is good insurance. Many folks count on being able to run to a local drug store if they ever need first aid items, but what if disaster strikes and you are stuck at home? What if the power is out and all stores are closed for days on end? What if the roads are impassable or you run out of gasoline? What if you were quarantined due to a flu outbreak? Think about the worst case scenario and plan accordingly.

Hopefully everyone already has basic emergency supplies in the home: plenty of extra drinking water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlights, battery-powered radio, spare batteries, candles, matches, blankets and so on.

Here’s a basic list of medical supplies that every household should have on hand in case of emergency. If you live in a remote area or in a disaster-prone region, consider having two or more medical kits. Keep one at home, and one in each vehicle.

A first aid manual.

Several pairs of latex or vinyl gloves.

Antibiotic ointment to prevent wound infections.

Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.

Large sterile gauze pads or rolls to stop bleeding and cover wounds.

Non-adherent pads to cover burns or wounds.

First aid tape.

Ace wrap elastic bandage.

Scissors.

Antiseptic towelettes.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Thermometer.

Acetominophen (Tylenol) or other pain reliever and fever reducer.

Anti-diarrhea medication such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Prescription medications for everyone in the household; especially important are heart medications, diabetes medications and asthma inhalers.

Gatorade or Pedialyte to replace electrolytes in case of vomiting and diarrhea.

A plastic bucket with lid to use in case toilets aren’t working.

Feminine hygiene supplies.

Plastic bags for used bandages and other medical waste.

Medicine dropper (for measuring bleach for water purification).

Plain liquid chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite).

This last item is essential in controlling the spread of diarrhea or other contagious diseases. A disinfecting solution consisting of 10 parts water to one part chlorine bleach can be used to kill germs on surfaces such as countertops, toilets, sinks, dishes and eating utensils.

If clean drinking water runs out or is not available, liquid chlorine bleach can be added to potentially contaminated water to purify it. If the water is cloudy or has particles in it, first filter it through a clean cloth.

The amount of chlorine bleach you need to add to water depends on the concentration of the bleach. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

For 1 percent bleach, add 10 drops of bleach per quart of water.

For 4-6 percent bleach, add 2 drops of bleach per quart of water.

For 7-10 percent bleach, add 1 drop of bleach per quart of water.

If your water is very cloudy or very cold, double these amounts.

Mix the bleach thoroughly in the water and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before drinking to allow the chlorine enough time to kill germs.

Water can also be purified for drinking by boiling it for one minute.

Another option is commercially prepared iodine tablets or drops, used as directed. However,these are not as effective against Giardia as boiling or chlorine.

Editor’s note: This is Kathryn Brown’s last weekly health column. She is taking some time off to have her second child. She will be writing occasional columns on health topics in the year ahead.