With modern technology hurricanes can now be predicted and residents given sufficient warning that one is headed towards their area. Even those who are not in the direct path of the storm and not under evacuation orders be affected by storm damage. Hurricane kits are easy to assemble and should be in every household within range of hurricanes.
Have 1 gallon of water a day for each person stored. Enough to last a week. Pumps and other gadgetry that brings water into your facets may be out of commission for awhile. Water supplies may also be contaminated and undrinkable for a period of time.
Store enough food to last a week. These should be non perishable items as you may not have any way to heat or cool them. Prepackaged and canned foods are the best choice. And don’t forget a manual (non electric) can opener!
If you have a propane grill or other gas fed cooking source be sure that the tanks are filled in advance of the predicted arrival time of the hurricane. Once it hits supplies may run out as others rush to buy what they need.
Do not forget to top off your car’s gas tanks as well. In crisis such as hurricanes supply is often not able to keep up with demand. You may need gas to evacuate or travel out of the area.
Before the storm hits, make sure that you have cash on hand. In the event of power outages banks and ATMs will not be operating as usual and you may be unable to get needed money out.
Make sure there is an adequate amount of pillows, blankets and suitable clothing stored away and ready for use. The weather change can be quite cool and you want everyone to stay warm and be as comfortable as possible.
Add a flashlight, radio and extra batteries for each to your hurricane kit. The radio may be your only connection with the rest of the world and can provide you with information as to storm damage, estimated times electricity will be restored and so forth.
Extra cell phone chargers with adapters should be included. Be sure to charge your battery fully before the storm arrives. An old fashioned, corded telephone should also be kept handy in the event cell batteries die or the signals are lost in the storm.
Keep all of your important papers in a water proof, sealed container. This could include social security cards, bank account information, insurance policies and account numbers or medical records.
You should always be sure that any prescription medicines have been refilled and there is enough to last at least a week. Two weeks’ worth is recommended.
If you have children you should pack books, puzzles or games that may help them pass time when stranded without electricity. Pets should have an adequate amount of water and food added to the kit.
With a little preparedness and very little cost a proper hurricane kit can be made and might be essential to you and your family’s survival.
