Hurricane Season: 10 Items To Gather Now

Hurricane Season: 10 Items To Gather Now

When a tropical storm or hurricane hits an area hard enough to knock out power and other essential services, you and your family will need a few essential items in order to “weather” those first few disruptive and potentially dangerous days. The rule of thumb is to plan for about three days to be on your own before emergency services can begin to kick in. Here are ten basic items that you should gather now and store in a safe place before the rush hits the local stores as a storm approaches. If the items are not needed this year, and we all hope they won’t be, keep the kit refreshed and up to date from year to year.

1. Bottled water. At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days. That means for a family of four should store at least 12 gallons.

2. Food. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items. Be sure to have a hand-operated can opener as well.

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3. A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio with extra batteries for each.

4. Flashlights and other battery powered lights, again with an ample supply of extra batteries for each.

5. A first aid kit.

6. Trash and garbage bags of several different sizes along with moist towelettes for personal sanitation.

7. Toolbox with common hand-held tools (hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.).

8. Gas grill with a least one extra-full propane tank.

9. Full tank of gas in automobile.

10. Cell phone with automobile charger.

Got these on hand? Here's ten more items to consider adding.

1. Cash or traveler's checks and change.

2. Medications, including prescription meds and over-the-counter medications.

3. Sleeping bags, extra clothing, towels.

4. Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. Bleach (unscented with no additives) can be used, nine parts water to one part bleach, as a disinfectant and, in an emergency, can be used to treat water by adding 16 drops per gallon of water.

5. Matches in a waterproof container.

6. Fire extinguisher.

7. Pet supplies and food for Fido or Tabby.

8. Plastic utensils, plates, paper towels.

9. Personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, etc.).

10. Pencils, paper, games, books, puzzles, etc.