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:

• Water

  One gallon per person per day (minimum of 7 days)

• 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

• Blankets

  or sleeping bag / Pillows

• Clothing

  seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes

• First Aid Kit / Medicines

  Prescription medications and first aid supplies. Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.

• Special Items

  for babies and the elderly

• Toiletries

  Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, hand sanitizer and soap, toothbrush and toothpaste

• Flashlight / Batteries

• Radio

  Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

• 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.

• Cash

  Emergency cash in small denominations

• Keys

  Extra keys to your house and vehicle

• Toys, Books and Games

• Important documents

  
  • insurance records
  • medical records
  • bank account numbers
  • social security card
  • inventory lists or photos

• Disposable camera

  although not a necessity

• Local map

• Permanent marker, paper and tape

• Photos of family members

  and pets for re-identification purposes

• List of emergency phone numbers

• List of allergies

  to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food

• Copy of health insurance

  & identification cards

• Extra prescriptions

  for eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items

• 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

• Unscented liquid household bleach

  and an eyedropper for water purification

• Plastic sheeting

  , duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows

• Whistle

• Plastic Bucket

  and large, heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and sanitation

• Vehicle fuel tanks filled

• 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.