Hurricane Emergency List

Hurricanes are extremely intense storms that leave widespread damage and power outages behind. Unlike some natural disasters, there is usually enough warning when a hurricane is approaching and these warnings should be taken very seriously. Hurricane season usually lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November every year and you should be prepared by the start of the season. Proper preparation will help you weather the storm and its aftermath.

Water and Food

• Hurricane damage may compromise your local water supply, so having a stock of bottled water is essential. The National Hurricane Center recommends that you have at least one gallon per person in your household for five to seven days. Your stock of food should include plenty of nonperishable items. In the event you are without electricity for a lengthy amount of time, you will need food items that don't require refrigeration. Canned and boxed dry foods are ideal. Snack foods such as nuts, chips and fruit and pudding cups can also be included. If you are caring for an infant be sure to stock up on plenty of canned formula and jarred baby foods. Juice boxes, soda and other canned beverages can be added to the list. Unless you have a gas powered stove, you will need to consider alternative cooking methods following power outages left after a hurricane. Be sure to get a small outdoor grill, charcoal, lighter fluid and cooking utensils suitable for grilling. You will also need a nonelectric can opener. Add disposable plates and utensils to the list so you won't have to waste your water supply cleaning dishes.

Ice

• Ice will serve a number of purposes after the hurricane. It can be used to salvage refrigerated items. However, it is not recommended to eat foods that have been stored at improper temperatures so this is only for temporary cold perishable food storage. Ice can be used to keep boxed or canned beverages cold. It can also be used as a source of water after it melts. Ice can also be an important item in your first aid kit. Injuries are common during the clean-up and repair phase following a hurricane and ice can be applied to reduce swelling.

Batteries and Lighting

• Be sure to have at least one flashlight for everyone in your household. Any battery-powered light sources such as camping lanterns are also viable lighting options. You will need to stock up on all kinds of batteries so know what size batteries your flashlights, radios, camping lanterns and any other battery operated items require. Candles and kerosene lanterns are often thought to be necessary during power outages however, they can be very dangerous. With power outages you will be more inclined to have windows open for air circulation and any drafts could blow the flame and cause a fire. If you have to use candles just take precautions and never leave them unattended.

Gas

• Every car in your household should be fueled up prior to the arrival of the hurricane. Storm damage and power outages may delay gas stations from reopening. Make sure you also have fuel necessary for any lawn care equipment as these machines may be needed to remove trees or debris from your yard after the hurricane.

Cash

• As with gas stations, most banks and ATMs may be inoperable for some time so withdraw cash prior to the hurricane. As stores begin to open back up they may only be able to do cash transactions until they are fully operational.

First Aid and Medications

• You should have a basic first aid kit in your household but if not, now is the time to get one. You can get a ready-made kit or build your own. Be sure to include an assortment of adhesive bandages, gauze pads, aspirin, hydrocortisone cream or ointment, scissors, cloth tape, an instant cold compress and antiseptic wipes. If you do already have a first aid check, be sure to check and replace any items that have expired. Stock up on any prescription medications that you regularly need, as pharmacies may not be open immediately following a storm.

Hygiene

• Maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness is always important but it can be challenging when water and electricity are scarce or nonexistent. Ensure that you have all of your necessary toiletries such as toothpaste and deodorant. In addition you should also include hand sanitizer and bath wipes in your emergency kit.

Personal Documents

• In the event that your home sustains damage during a storm you will want to protect any important personal documents for everyone in your household. It is a good idea to seal all birth certificates, passports, social security cards, bank documents, medical records and insurance documents in a plastic bag and keep them in a safe place. If you are evacuated from your home, keep them with you.

Communication

• Communicating with friends and family after a storm will be important for your peace of mind as well as theirs. You may also need to call for emergency aid or information hotlines that are established. Make sure all cell phone batteries are fully charged and have an adapter that allows you to charge your phone in your car as this may be your only source of electrical power for a while. If landline phones are working, you will be able to use traditional phone sets that don't require a power source. Internet access may also be available.

Apparel and Bedding

• Comfortable and safe shoes are essential after a storm. You may be standing on long lines waiting for supplies and you be trekking though dangerous ground and you will need to protect your feet from broken glass, wood and other debris. Typical rain gear such as a poncho and rubber boots may also be helpful. Place bedding and pillows in large plastic bags to protect them from water damage and to have them ready in the event you are evacuated from your home. Be sure to account for enough bedding for everyone in your home.

Children

• Anyone with small children should consider having things on hand to keep them entertained in the days after the storm when televisions, video game systems and computers are inoperable until power is restored. Board games, coloring books and cards are some alternatives. If you are evacuated you should also bring these items to the shelter if possible.

Pets

• Keep all of your pets' medical and immunization records in a sealed plastic bag to protect them from damage. Stock up on pet foods and snacks as you would for everyone else in your family. You should also have extra cat litter and newspapers for your dogs since you won't be able to take them out for the duration of the storm. A sealable container or large plastic bag can be used to contain waste until you can dispose of it properly. If you do have pets, especially multiple pets, keep in mind you will be in an enclosed area for a long period of time so you may also want to keep some air freshener and fabric refresher available too. If you are in an evacuation area, find out in advance which shelters allow pets or where you can take them for their safety.