As soon as you get news that a hurricane is headed for your area, the most important thing you can do is get yourself and your family prepared as soon as possible. Getting your home and your family prepared for a hurricane is essential to riding out the storm in safety. If you live in an area that is frequently impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms, it is not a bad idea to have a “Hurricane Survival Kit” always at the ready. This way you will avoid the chaos of grocery and home supply stores as the storm approaches and you can concentrate on getting your home ready.
Food and water will be the first things you will want to get ready for the approaching storm. Stock up on bottled water – figure about one gallon of water per person for each day that you plan to be affected. Figure you will need about three days worth of water for each person in your household. Stock up on non perishable foods that do not need to be prepared or refrigerated. Canned fruits, meats and vegetables are good staples to have stored in your cupboards in the event of an emergency.
Keep a first aid kit on hand in the event that you sustain an injury and need to wait for the storm to pass before seeking medical attention. Make sure your first aid kit includes sterile bandages of various sizes, antiseptic, adhesive tape, a cold pack, tweezers, scissors and an anti-bacterial ointment such as Neosporin. In addition, you might want to keep a pain reliever like ibuprofen or aspirin, an anti-diarrhea or antacid and a laxative in your first aid kit as well.
You will also need various tools like a battery operated radio, flashlight, non-electric can opener, matches, and plenty of extra batteries. Make sure to stock up on trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper and storage containers as well. Keep a household disinfectant like bleach with your hurricane survival kit so that you can keep your area clean.
Make sure that you have extra blankets, rain gear, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes on hand. You will need to make sure that you keep warm should water seep into your home. If power is shut off for any length of time you will need to do your best to stay warm and dry. Also be sure to keep several days worth of any medications you need with your emergency kit.
Resources:
Hurricane Safety Checklists.
National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Preparedness – Be Prepared.
