As Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Harvey, and Hurricane Katrina taught us, disaster could strike at any time. With powerful winds, storm surges, torrential rain, and flooding, hurricanes can cause a large-scale devastation.
With hurricane season here, one of the most critical things to do is ensure that you, your family, and your home are prepared. Start early to avoid rushing to supply stores or facing potential shortages if a warning is issued.
Stock up on the basics for your home. Also, keep any items you might need during an evacuation in baggage or storage that is easy to carry, such as a duffel bag or camping backpack.
Here are some critical items that you should have in your hurricane emergency kit.
Food and Water
- A 3-day supply of water - which is one gallon per person, per day
- Non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare, such as crackers, canned soup, cereal, and high-energy food
- Can opener
- Sterno or some kind of fuel if your food must be heated
- Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Medical Items
- 7-day supply of medication, including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicines, laxatives, activated charcoal, and antacids
- Hearing aids with extra batteries, contact lenses, glasses, canes, syringes, and other medical equipment
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items, such as soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toilet paper, and feminine products
- First aid kit that includes bandages of various sizes, sterile dressing, anti-bacterial ointment, roller gauze, adhesive tape, medical-grade gloves, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, small scissors, and a cold pack
Power
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Cellphone charger
Clothing
- Rain gear
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- Sunglasses
- Thermal underwear
- Sturdy boots and hat
- Extra clothing
Documents
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, and bonds
- Passports and social security cards
- Any family records
Transportation
- Map of the area
- Compass
- Extra cash
- Extra gasoline
Children/Infants
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered Milk
- Favorite snacks such as granola bars or crackers
Pets
- Identification tag with the phone number of a friend or family member
- Carry a picture of your pet
- Pet carrier
- One-week supply of food and water
Stay Safe and Plan Ahead
Take time to regularly go through your checklist and ensure that you have everything you need. Replace stored food every six months and ask a physician or pharmacist about storing medication. With the proper preparations, you and your family can have peace of mind this hurricane season.
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