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Home » Consumer Information » Hurricanes » Preparing Your Home

Hurricane Preparation Kits

Residents of any area that is subject to hurricanes should be well prepared for the possibility of a major storm. One way to plan ahead is to put together a Hurricane Kit that contains the items you will need if a hurricane does strike. The kit should be ready at all times, and stored in a safe and easily accessible location. A good kit will include several items:

Food and water

Purchase foods that are non-perishable such as canned goods and pre-packaged foods. Only items that can be stored for long periods of time and remain safe to eat should be included. Bottled water and juices are also essential for the kit. Keep in mind that the food and beverages you collect may be the only sustenance available for several days following a major storm. Along with the food, keep utensils and paper plates in the kit. You will also need a can opener, and a small cooking stove with extra fuel.

Personal items

Be sure to pack extra clothing, toiletries and other necessities like tooth brushes and tooth paste. Store extra prescription drugs or other medications any member of the family requires on a daily basis. Include a bar of soap and saline solution for people who wear contact lenses. Luxury items that will not be essential for survival should not be included as they will take up space that should be devoted to items that you will need.

Nighttime products

At least one powerful flashlight should be in the kit, as well as extra batteries. This may be your only source of illumination following a hurricane. You may also want to store bedding items like blankets and pillows to make sleeping arrangements as comfortable as possible.

Electronics

A battery operated radio may be your only source to the outside world if you are trapped in your home. Make sure there are enough batteries for the radio to operate for several days. If you have an extra cell phone, keep that in the kit and be sure the battery is full charged.

Cash

After a hurricane strikes, banks can take several days to reopen, and ATM machines may not be available. Cash might be the only form of currency you will have available following a disaster. Save a little in the kit so you have it in case you need it.

Families with children and pets

Those with very young children should pack extra diapers and other baby necessities. For older kids, it is a good idea to pack toys, games and other items to help keep them distracted during a difficult time.

Pet owners will also need to add plenty of food, and may also want a leash or even a pet carrier to make it easier to transport the animals when it is safe to do so.

A hurricane can create may dangerous scenarios, but people who plan ahead will have an extra edge to make it through difficult times. Put a hurricane kit together to aid you during emergency circumstances.