Hurricane Preparedness Checklist Guide

If you live in a place where hurricanes can occur, you need to make yourself a hurricane preparedness list so that you can ensure you have everything you need quickly if you have to prepare for the situation. Here are some of the things you should have on a checklist for hurricane preparedness.

Water: One thing you need to have on your hurricane preparedness list is water. Water is essential to our survival and we cannot survive very long without it. The National Hurricane Center advises that you store one gallon of water per person in your home per day for three to seven days. You can use old milk jugs washed out well to store the water in and store them in a closet or basement.

Seal Important Documents in Waterproof Containers: Getting new pieces of identification is time-consuming and can be difficult, so make sure you gather all of your important documents to store in waterproof containers or salable plastic bags. Documents you might want to protect include social security cards, birth certificates, deeds to your property, the title to your car, medical insurance cards, and high school and/or college diplomas or GED certificates. You might also want to seal photos of special family occasions or loved ones in plastic bags that are especially meaningful to you.

Food: Another thing you need to have on your checklist for hurricane preparedness is food. Food is as essential to water in our survival. The National Hurricane Center advises you should have enough food for everyone in your home to last at least three to seven days. Some foods you should have on hand in case of a hurricane include non-perishable foods in cans, snack foods, baby foods (if you have an infant), and juices. You should also have a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, and paper plates, plastic cups, and plastic utensils with which to eat.

Find A Place to Stay Ahead of Time: The last thing you want to do in the midst of a hurricane is to drive around and find somewhere to stay. As soon as you find out that you need to evacuate your home, figure out where you can stay and how you will get there. Can you stay with a relative? If not, look into hotels and motels in neighboring cities and states for a room. You may also want to find out where the hurricane shelters are in order to have somewhere to stay. Likewise, if you have pets, you will need to find somewhere for them to stay. If you are going to a hotel or motel, try to find a pet friendly one in which to stay. Many animal shelters in neighboring cities may also be willing and able to board your pets while your home is unsafe.

Medication: Medication is another thing you should have on your checklist for hurricane preparedness. Ensure you have enough prescription medication to last each person in your household who takes them for at least a week. Additionally, make sure you pack all of the over-the-counter medication you use regularly such as Tylenol, Advil, Pebto Bismal, Zyrtec, Benadryl, IcyHot, and vitamins.

Likewise, if you have pets who need medication, be sure to have enough of it on hand for at least a week and take it with you to the hotel or motel or give it to the animal shelter your pet will be staying at until your home is safe again. These medications may include antibiotics your pet is on, insulin for diabetic pets, and asthma medications.

Batteries and Battery Operated Items: Having extra batteries as well as battery operated items are another good thing to have on a hurricane preparedness list. A battery operated television and/or radio can help keep you entertained and informed in times of disaster. Additionally, flashlights and battery operated lanterns are very useful when the electricity goes out. Make sure you have plenty of batteries for all of these things to run on.

First-Aid Kit: Another item you should have on a checklist for hurricane preparedness is a first-aid kit. According to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, your first-aid kit should include the following: scissors, sunscreen, 4-6 4-inch sterile gauze pads, 4-6 2-inch sterile gauze pads, tweezers, 3 rolls of 2-inch sterile roller bandages, 3 rolls of 3-inch sterile roller bandages, moistened towelettes, thermometer, a clean, sterile needle, 2 tongue depressors, safety pins in assorted sizes, 3 triangular bandages, a tube of Vaseline, 2 pairs of latex gloves, sterile adhesive bandages (band-aids) in assorted sizes, and a cleaning agent or soap. Additionally, the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center asserts you should have one first-aid kit for your home and one for each car you own.

Clothing: Clothing is another item you should have on a checklist for hurricane preparedness. You should have at least one complete change of weather appropriate clothes for each person in your household. Additionally, you may also want to ensure you have sleepwear, sunglasses, gloves and a hat, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for everyone in your home.

Bedding: Another good item to have on a hurricane preparedness list is bedding. You will need sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows if you decide to go to a hurricane shelter or to a relative's house. Hotels and motels will be able to provide you with bedding if you decide to go to one.

Toiletries: Toiletries are another essential item to have on a checklist for hurricane preparedness. Toilet paper, feminine products, soap, deodorant, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, and towels are all good toiletries to have. Additionally, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hairbrushes will allow you to take care of yourself in a disaster.

These are some of the things you should have on a checklist for hurricane preparedness. These things will allow you to stay comfortable and help you take care of yourself during a natural disaster.

Sources:

Chiff: Top Ten Hurricane Tips:

http://www.chiff.com/a/hurricane-tips.htm

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center: American Red Cross Family Disaster Supplies Kit:

http://www.floridaoceanographic.org/hurricane2.html

Village of Royal Palm Beach Florida: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist:

http://www.royalpalmbeach.com/Pages/RoyalPalmBeachFL_Hurricane/Checklist

National Hurricane Center: Hurricane Preparedness:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml