As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to have the necessary supplies on hand to weather the storm and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Here’s a hurricane supplies checklist of items needed.
Water: Plan for at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for a minimum of three days. Store water in clean containers and consider additional water for sanitation and hygiene purposes.
Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on non-perishable food items that require no refrigeration, cooking, or preparation. Include canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, and ready-to-eat meals.
Manual Can Opener: Ensure you have a manual can opener on hand to access canned food items in case of power outages.
Medications: Keep a supply of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and first aid supplies in your emergency kit. Don’t forget to include any special medical needs or supplies for infants, elderly family members, or pets.
Flashlights and Batteries: Pack multiple flashlights with extra batteries or rechargeable batteries to provide illumination during power outages. Avoid using candles, as they pose a fire hazard.
Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed of weather updates, emergency alerts, and evacuation orders. Consider a NOAA Weather Radio for access to official weather information.
Portable Phone Charger: Keep portable phone chargers or power banks charged to ensure you can stay connected and communicate with family members, emergency services, and loved ones during power outages.
Personal Hygiene Items: Include personal hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products in your emergency kit.
Clothing and Bedding: Pack a change of clothing, sturdy shoes, and extra socks for each family member. Also, include blankets, sleeping bags, or warm bedding to stay comfortable during inclement weather.
Important Documents: Safeguard important documents such as identification cards, passports, insurance policies, medical records, and financial documents in waterproof containers or digital backups.
Cash: Keep a small amount of cash on hand in case of ATM or banking disruptions during and after the storm.
Tools and Supplies: Include basic tools, such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and duct tape, for minor repairs and maintenance tasks. Also, consider adding a multi-tool, utility knife, and work gloves to your kit.
Pet Supplies: Don’t forget to prepare for your pets’ needs by packing food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and bedding. Also, include copies of vaccination records and identification tags.
Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, local authorities, and emergency services. Share this information with all household members and keep a copy in your emergency kit.
Additional Supplies: Consider adding items such as a whistle, signal mirror, waterproof matches, insect repellent, sunscreen, and entertainment options (books, games, puzzles) to your emergency kit for added comfort and safety.
By assembling and maintaining a well-stocked emergency kit, you can better prepare yourself and your family for the challenges posed by hurricanes and other natural disasters. Be proactive, stay informed, and stay safe.
