Important Numbers

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 - in a waterproof container

• 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

Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification

Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows

Whistle

Dust mask

Pocket knife

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.

Last Modified July 28, 2009
Adapted from the 2009 Hurricane Preparedness Guide

« Back to Main Page

Step #3 »