Preparing a Hurricane Disaster Supply Kit

Well before the hurricane season begins, you should begin preparing for it. If you wait until the last minute, more than likely most other people will have as well and you will find grocery and supply stores with empty shelves. You will also have peace of mind knowing you are prepared and can spend the precious time you may need getting your family in a safe place, rather than scrambling for bottled water. Here is a list of suggested items.

1. Get refills of prescription drugs as early as possible. Some insurance companies will not provide refills until 5 to 7 days before running out. Get your refill as soon as you possibly can so you have necessary medication on hand.

2. First aid supplies such as bandages, Band-aids, hydrogen peroxide, bacetracin.

3. Gallons of water and bottle water. Plan for about a gallon per person per day.

4. Flashlights and batteries. Keep flashlights in all rooms you will be using. If possible, each person should have their own flashlight.

5. Batteries for alarm clocks, radios. Put batteries in alarm clocks prior to hurricanes hitting so that you have at least one clock with the time set (and your
alarm if you need it).

6. Keep your cell phone fully charged. You should also have a car charger for your phone. If your electricity is out, this is the best way to recharge your cell battery.

7. Cash, especially if ATM machines are not working, unavailable or if stores are unable to process credit or debit cards.

8. If you are in an area that is prone to hurricanes or you may have to evacuate, place important documents in a ziplock storage bag (i.e. social security cards, birth certificates, credit cards, etc.) This will be handy if you have to immediately evacuate. Place pet immunization records in this as well. Some places will require proof of pet immunization for boarding.

9. Be sure you have enough pet food on hand to last at least a week, as well as a fresh supply of water for your pet.

10. Pet leashes, carriers, kennels, etc. Keep these in a handy spot and where you will need them so that you can grab them quickly. Place pet beds and carriers/kennels in the room the family will be staying in during the hurricane. Your pet will also need a safe and comfortable place to wait out the storm. Be sure your pet has their collar on with their name tag and your contact information, and that their immunizations are updated.

11. Tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, etc. that you may need.

12. Toys and books for young children, including batteries for any hand held toys/games. You want to be sure to have enough entertainment on hand for your children. Remember, the TV could possibly be out.

13. Toiletries, including toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, moisture wipes, diapers and baby wipes.

14. Canned food-consider items that will need little preparation such as soups, tuna fish, canned vegetables, canned fruits, applesauce, and canned meats such as chili, chicken, salmon, spam, corned beef hash. Pantry items such as rice, instant potatoes can help with quick and easy meals that require little to no refrigerated items to make. Don't forget items such as dry milk, evaporated milk, bouillon cubes, baby food in jars, cans of Ensure or the like especially if there are elderly people in the home, snack foods such as cookies, dried fruits, boxes or cans of juice.

15. Propane stove and propane, sterno cans, gas burners can be used when there is no electricity.

16. Camping lanterns, either battery operated or propane operated can come in handy.

17. Coolers with ice. Consider purchasing bags of ice and storing them in your freezer before a hurricane hits so that you can keep some food on ice once the electricity goes, out.

18. Have a can opener and bottle opener on hand (make sure you have a back up if you normally use an electric one).

19. Paper plates, plastic cups, utensils and napkins. Especially if you do not have running water or it is unusable, this will help with clean up. Make sure you have enough garbage bags on hand.

20. Right before the hurricane hits, consider placing blankets, pillows, clothing, food, water, and other necessary items in the central area you and your family will be waiting the storm out in.

21. Be sure to have an evacuation plan that everyone in your family knows and numbers to local shelters where you can go to if necessary.

22. If you have a generator, make sure it is functional and ready to go.

23. Keep your keys handy and in a central place. You will not want to look for your keys in the dark.

24. Keep your vehicle tanks filled and consider keeping an extra container of gasoline stored in a safe place in case fuel becomes an issue in your area.

25. Sneakers, boots, good footwear, particularly waterproof footwear and rain gear. Do your laundry ahead of time so that you have an adequate amount of clothing to change into.