How To Prepare
After a hurricane the services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days.
Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily.
Your basic Emergency Supplies Kit should include:
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Water
One gallon per person per day (minimum of 7 days)
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Food
Enough for 2 weeks
• non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
• foods for infants or the elderly
• snack foods
• manual can opener
• cooking tools / fuel
• paper plates / plastic utensils
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Blankets
or sleeping bag / Pillows
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Clothing
seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes
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First Aid Kit / Medicines
Prescription medications and first aid supplies. Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.
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Special Items
for babies and the elderly
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Toiletries
Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, hand sanitizer and soap, toothbrush and toothpaste
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Flashlight / Batteries
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Radio
Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
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Back-up Phone
Make sure you have a back-up phone that requires no electricity. Don’t count on your cell phone – increased traffic on cell phone networks can quickly overload wireless capacity.
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Cash
Emergency cash in small denominations
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Keys
Extra keys to your house and vehicle
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Toys, Books and Games
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Important documents

• insurance records
• medical records
• bank account numbers
• social security card
• inventory lists or photos
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Disposable camera
although not a necessity
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Local map
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Permanent marker, paper and tape
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Photos of family members
and pets for re-identification purposes
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List of emergency phone numbers
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List of allergies
to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
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Copy of health insurance
& identification cards
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Extra prescriptions
for eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
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Tools
keep a set with you during the storm such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.
• Heavy work gloves
• Pocket knife
• Dust mask
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Unscented liquid household bleach
and an eyedropper for water purification
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Plastic sheeting
, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
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Whistle
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Plastic Bucket
and large, heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and sanitation
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Vehicle fuel tanks filled
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Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

• Sturdy leashes and/or carriers to transport pets Animal shelters may require owners to provide a pet carrier for each animal.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
• Food and potable water, for at least one week
• Bowls and can opener
• Cat litter and pan
• Plastic bags for sanitation purposes
• Pet toys
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems
• Immunization records
• Name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets.