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Hurrican Preparedness
Both the National Hurricane Center and the American Red Cross have developed specific guidelines for Hurricane supply kits. A hurricane survival kit is merely a specialized version of your disaster supply kit. It should include provisions to carry you through a week or two after a storm or other disaster. Our hurricane preparation page includes additional recommendations based on experiences of real people who have been through similar situations. Remember, the more water, food, and other items you have the better off you will be in the event of an emergency. You will be able to assist family and friends if needed.
Some companies include pre-assembled survival kits that include water purification tablets and more. They can be useful in addition to your own kit.
Our own version increases some of their recommendations and includes some additional items that are helpful in our experience.
Remember to print hard copy of any documents you need - instructions, tips or anything in case you have no power.
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Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods (Peanut butter; mixed PBJ; breakfast bars; crackers; canned fruit; raisins; chips;
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils / paper cups
— trash bags and duct tape - useful for clean-up, or patching leaks in an emergency - An ax to use if you stay and need to escape from your house - or other uses
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
- Bug spray, Cortisone for bug bites
- Sunscreen & Lotion
- Tarp to cover holes if needed.
- Bleach
- Water purification tablets
- Waterless soap saves water for drinking
- Flashlight / Batteries
- Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Battery operated television, with extra batteries.
- Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Make sure you have small bills because it will often be difficult to get change, I you only have a $100 and water is $10 for a case and you are limited to one case, you do not want to have the choice of paying $100 or having no water.
- Keys to house, cars, boats etc
- Toys, Books and Games
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Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Don't forget your re-entry documents (e.g. stickers or passes). Many barrier islands require some documentation in order to return. Keep important phone number here. You may know them, but a loved one may not. - Tools - keep a set with you during the storm. A pocket knife, nails, a hammer and rope are important elements. Towels and buckets are useful too if you develop a leak.
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
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Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash- Local Emergency Management Office
- County Law Enforcement
- County Public Safety Fire/Rescue
- State, County and City/Town Government
- Local Hospitals
- Local Utilities
- Local American Red Cross
- Local TV Stations
- Local Radio Stations
- Your Property Insurance Agent
- Check your hazards risks with FEMA's Map Portal.
- Rate your flood risk with the FloodSmart.gov portal.
- Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan - [PDF] [Google Docs]
- Be sure to plan for locations away from home
- Business owners and site locations should create Workplace Plans
- Make sure schools and daycares have School Emergency Plans
- Pet owners should have plans to care for their animals. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offer information on animal health impacts in evacuation shelters.
- Prepare your boat and be aware of marine safety if you are on or near the water.
- Review the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) health considerations before, during, and after a storm.
- Remember to follow the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) food and water safety guidelines during disasters.
- Review the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggestions for health and environmental safety in disaster preparedness.
- Review the FEMA Evacuation Guidelines to allow for enough time to pack and inform friends and family if you need to leave your home. FOLLOW instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!
- Consider your protection options to decide whether to stay or evacuate your home if you are not ordered to evacuate.
- Tornadoes – they are often spawned by hurricanes.
- The calm "eye" of the storm – it may seem like the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.
- Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home.
- Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.
Contacts
Keep a list of contact information for reference.
Risk Analysis
Online hazard and vulnerability assessment tools are available to gather information about your risks.
Plan & Take Action
Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe? You may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas, electricity or phone services are shut off?
Supplies Kit
Put together a basic disaster supplies kit and considerstorage locations for different situations. Help community members do the same.
Emergency Plans
Develop and document plans for your specific risks.
Health & Environment
Follow guidelines to guard your community's health and protect the environment during and after the storm.
Evacuation
When waiting out a storm be careful, the danger may not be over yet...
Be alert for:
