Hurricanes

Hurricane Preparedness - Organize A Survival Kit

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(CBS) Rescue authorities recommend keeping two weeks' worth of emergency supplies per person on hand in case of a natural disaster.

Stock up well in advance of the storm to avoid panic buying when a storm alert is issued. Store emergency supplies in a watertight, portable container and keep it close to your exit.

Replace batteries in powered items like flashlights and emergency radios every six months and check your supply kit once a year, or more often if your family situation changes.

If you are going to an evacuation shelter, bring three days' worth of the starred emergency supplies on this list per person.

Not all evacuation shelters allow pets, so be sure to find a pet-friendly shelter ahead of time.

For additional information, download the Disaster Preparedness Handbook and Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Checklist from the Red Cross.

Water*

• One gallon of water per person per day at minimum (half for drinking, half for bathing, etc.) stored in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles or milk jugs.

Non-Perishable Foods*
(Choose foods that require no refrigeration, little or no cooking, and little or no water.)

• Canned meats, fruits, vegetables
• Canned soups and milk
• Bread stored in moisture-proof packaging
• Cookies, candy, dried fruit
• Powdered or single-serve drinks (increase water supply for powered drinks)
• Granola and cereal bars
• Condiments
• Peanut butter, jelly
• Instant coffee, tea

Cooking Supplies

• Canned cooking fuel, like Sterno
• Portable camp stove or grill
• Stove fuel or charcoal, lighter fluid
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts

Equipment, Other Items

• Cash*
• Manual can opener*
• Flashlight* (one per person)
• Disposable plates, cups, eating utensils
• Napkins, paper towels
• Portable battery powered lanterns
• Glass enclosed candles (only for use after the storm)
• Battery-powered radio or TV
• Battery-operated alarm clock
• Extra batteries, including hearing aid batteries
• Ice chest, ice
• First aid kit, including aspirin, antibiotic cream, antacids
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen (SPF 45 recommended)
• Waterproof matches/butane lighter
• Bleach or water purification tablets
• Maps of the area with landmarks

Babies

• Disposable diapers, moist towelettes*
• Formula, food, medication*

Documents

• Photo copies of prescriptions*
• Photo identification*
• Proof of residence (utility bills)*
• Medical history*
• Waterproof container for document storage
• Back up discs of your home computer files
• Camera, film

Other Necessities

• Tools: hammer, wrenches, screwdrivers, nails, saw
• Trash bags (lots of them)
• Cleaning supplies
• Plastic drop cloth
• Mosquito netting
• ABC rated fire extinguisher
• Duct tape or strong masking tape for emergency repairs (not to tape windows)
• Outdoor extension cords
• Spray paint
• Rope

Personal Supplies

• One-month supply of medication, prescription*
• Toiletries, feminine hygiene products*
• Changes of clothing, closed-toe shoes or boots*
• Bedding: pillows, sleeping bag*
• Entertainment: books, magazines, card games, etc.*
• Toilet paper
• Soap, shampoo, detergent
• Extra glasses or contacts
• Rain ponchos, work gloves

Pets

• Dry and canned food
• Water (half gallon per day)
• Litter box supplies

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