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Hurricane Preparation Kit

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation.

Prepare Your Kit

There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. A disaster supply kit should include items to sustain you and your family for a minimum of 72 hours (A week or two-week supply is even better). Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. These supplies are marked with an asterisk (*).

Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*

Food
Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

*Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

  • Canned fruits, meats and vegetables.
  • Canned juices, milk and soup.
  • High energy foods-peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dried fruits and nuts.
  • Comfort stress foods-cookies, chocolate, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea and soft drinks.
  • Sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Special foods for infants, elderly or others with special diets.

First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:

  • Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  • Assorted sizes of safety pins
  • Cleansing agent/soap
  • Latex gloves (2 pairs)
  • Sunscreen
  • 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • Triangular bandages (3)
  • Nonprescription drugs
  • 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Needle
  • Moistened towelettes
  • Antiseptic
  • Thermometer
  • Tongue blades (2)
  • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Nonprescription Drugs

  • Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Antacid (for stomach upset)
  • Syrup or Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
  • Laxative
  • Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

  • Mess kits, or disposable paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
  • Flashlight and extra batteries*
  • Sterno, camp stove or grill and fuel
  • Pots/pans and cooking utensils
  • Cash or traveler's checks, change*
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
  • Pliers, screwdriver, and utility knife*
  • Duct Tape
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Candles
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic storage containers
  • Paper, pencil
  • Needles, thread
  • Medicine dropper
  • Shutoff wrench, to turn off household gas and water
  • Whistle
  • Plastic sheeting, tarps
  • Camera & film to document the damage to your house upon return

Sanitation

  • Toilet paper, towelettes*
  • Soap, liquid detergent*
  • Disposable washcloths
  • Feminine supplies*
  • Personal hygiene items*
  • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
  • Plastic bucket with tight lid
  • Disinfectant
  • Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

  • *Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
  • Sturdy shoes or work boots*
  • Rain gear*
  • Blankets or sleeping bags and pilliows*
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sunglasses

Special Items
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.

For Baby*
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications

For Adults*
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs (Two weeks)
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses

Pet Supplies if necessary, including medications and a pet carrier

Entertainment
Games and books

Important Family Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, social security cards, immunization records, bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and companies, inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers, and family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).

  • Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
  • Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
  • Keep items in airtight plastic bags.

Important Maintenance Steps

  • Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
  • Replace your stored food every six months.
  • Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year.
  • Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
  • Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.