Hurricane Supply Kit

You should put together your hurricane supply kit long before a hurricane threatens the area. Most items necessary for your comfort and safety can be purchased before hurricane season. Once a hurricane watch is issued, items often become scarce. If you already have your supplies on hand, you can spend the time before the storm safeguarding your home and personal property instead of waiting in line.

Store all food and water supplies in a cool, dark place. Keep food covered at all times and inspect all containers for signs of spoilage before use.

Checklist

• Water:
  • One gallon per person per day (1/2 gallon for drinking and 1/2 gallon for bathing, tooth-brushing, etc.) Store water in clean, plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Food: (Purchase foods that require NO refrigeration and little preparation)
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
  • Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
  • Peanut butter, jelly, nuts, crackers, cheese spreads
    Snacks; cookies, candies, cereals, dried fruit
  • Instant coffee and tea
  • Soft drinks, juices, sports drinks
  • Paper napkins, plates, cups and plastic utensils
• Baby:
  • Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk,
    Special medications and wet naps
• Pets:
  • Newspapers or cat litter for your pet's sanitary needs.
  • Moist canned foods (to preserve water)
• Medicine:
  • First-aid kit
  • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Antacid (for stomach upset)
  • Extra prescription medicine (especially heart and high blood-pressure medication, insulin and extra diabetic supplies)
• Personal Needs:
  • Toilet paper, towelettes
  • Soap, shampoo
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Denture needs
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contact lenses and supplies
• Other Important Supplies
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Charcoal, waterproof matches (if you have a grill, use it outside only)
  • Extra propane gas for grills***
  • Portable cooler
  • Wind-up or battery-operated clock
  • Plenty of absorbent towels
  • Plastic trash bags, ties
  • Aluminum foil
  • Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails (for temporary window and roof repairs)
  • Cleaning supplies (disinfectant, sponges, etc.)***

  *** These items can cause fires and should not be stored inside the home.

• Clothing and Bedding: (Keep in a travel bag or clean trash bag)
  • At least one change of clothing per person
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Hat and work gloves
  • Blankets and pillows or sleeping bags