Hurricane Preparation

Disaster Kit

Your basic kit should include:

• One gallon of water for each person each day for drinking and food preparation, stored in plastic containers.
  
  
• A three- to seven-day supply of canned or nonperishable food that requires little or no preparation or heating such as: canned pastas, soups, meats (tuna, chicken, etc.), fruits and juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, raisins and nuts, dried fruits, beef jerky. Include snacks and baby food or formula if needed.
  
  
• Food and water for pets to last three to seven days, plus a leash, and crate or carrier.
  
  
• Two coolers - one for food, one for ice.
  
  
• Paper plates, paper towels, plastic utensils, plastic bags, plastic garbage bags, waterproof containers and foil.
  
  
• A manual can opener.
  
  
• Fuel for any nonelectric cooking source, such as charcoal or propane gas, and matches.
  
  
• A first-aid kit with bandages, gauze pads, tape, antibacterial ointment, antidiarrhea medication, pain medication, antacids, tweezers, scissors, soap, alcohol, mosquito repellent and sun screen for each family member, and prescription medication for two weeks (check with your pharmacist about the shelf life of the medicine). Also include antiseptic hand cleanser for each family member.
  
  
• Personal toiletries, such as: soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, towels, etc.
  
  
• A flashlight and spare batteries for each person.
  
  
• A battery-powered radio and spare batteries.
  
  
• Detergent, cleaners and Chlorine bleach (without additives) to use as a disinfectant and to purify water.
  
  
• Spare hearing aid batteries if needed.
  
  
• A telephone that plugs directly into a wall jack. Portable phones won't work without electricity, and cellular service could be disrupted.
  
  
• Cash, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificates, driver's licenses, Social Security cards, passports, immigration records, trusts and wills, titles, deeds and registrations for property and vehicles; mortgage and other loan information, bank account records, investment records, credit card statements, income tax information, insurance policies & photos in a waterproof container. Tuck the container in a drawer or high on a shelf and take it with you if you evacuate.
  
  
• Sleepingbag or blanket, sheet & pillow.
  
  
• If you will be going to a shelter also include: a container for carrying your items (large plastic storage tubs work well), toys, games, books, magazines, napkins, disposable utensils, and a change of clothes with an extra pair of shoes.