FEMA Emergency Survival Supply List for Hurricanes

Being prepared in advance of a hurricane can be the difference between life and death. Those who make a decision to ride out the storm should take heed to advice given by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about gathering supplies that may be necessary in the days immediately following a storm.

Food and Water

• You should have enough food and water to last a minimum of three days. Food should include easy-to-store and prepare items such as canned goods, peanut butter and granola bars. FEMA also recommends including some comfort items, such as coffee, tea, cookies and hard candies.

  You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. For example, if you want three days worth of water for four people, you would store 12 gallons.

First Aid Kit

• Your first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, tweezers, scissors, antacid, safety pins, lubricant and soap. There are ready-made kits that include all of the basics or you can assemble your own first aid kit.

  You should also keep a book in your kit that describes basic first aid procedures.

Basic Tools and Communication Devices

• You will need a radio or television that does not require electricity to operate. This will allow you to keep up with the latest news during and after the storm.

  Your basic tools should include flashlights, batteries, matches, whistles, a compass, an ax, a signal flare, fire extinguishers, a tarp or sheets of plastic and a wrench to turn off the gas or water to your home.

Extra Clothing

• You should have at least one change of clothes per person. Extra socks, shoes, rain gear and thermals are also recommended.

Personal Care Items

• Your kit should include a variety of basic personal sanitation items. These include toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, soap or cleansing wipes, bleach, a plastic bucket with a lid and garbage bags for personal sanitation.

Documents

• Be sure to assemble all of your important documents such as IDs, bank account and credit card numbers, birth and marriage certificates, insurance documents and an inventory of household goods.

  Put these items with your supplies so you will know where they are in an emergency.

Special-Needs Items

• Special-needs items include anything that you need to care for pets, babies and the elderly. Extra prescription medication, diapers, baby formula and food, pet food and kitty litter. You will want enough of these items to last in case you are unable to get to the store or pharmacy in the days after the storm.