HURRICANE SUPPLIES LIST

Nobody knows just how much damage a storm will cause until it is over. Be prepared for the worst by putting together the following supplies, which you will need during and after the storm. Tip: start collecting your supplies a little at a time from the start of the season. This makes them more affordable.

Drinking water - minimum of 5 gallons per person. Use pre-bottled water or keep clean containers with tight-fitting lids. Once you fill them, seal tightly, use a permanent marker to write ‘drinking water’ and the date; store in a cool, dark place.

Non perishable food & beverages - at least a 7- day supply for each person.

Buy items in cans, plastic or other unbreakable, water-proof containers.
If items have paper labels, use a permanent marker to write the name of the item directly on the container, as the label may get wet and fall off.
Some items do not keep long once they are opened. Buy sizes which you can finish the same day opened.
Include some high-energy and comfort foods such as granola bars, chocolate, candy, etc., and some hardy fruits and vegetables

Special needs items for the sick or disabled, such as:

Extra prescription medicine (2-week supply. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidelines for storing these.)
Special foods
Special equipment

Baby & children’s items:

food and liquid formula, diapers, wipes, snacks, a few favorite small toys or games, etc.

Cooking, heating equipment & fuel:

Portable stove – e.g. camp stove
Mini propane/butane tanks
"Sterno" for heating food
Waterproof matches or lighters
Oil and Gasoline for Generators
Portable cooler / ice chest
Disposable utensils - plastic cutlery, plates and cups

Tools and materials, including:

Can opener - non-electric
Sharp knife
Scissors
Duct tape
Rope
Hammer, nails, screws, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers
Tarp or heavy-duty plastic
Work gloves
Portable Radio -If battery-powered, get extra batteries; consider a wind-up, or solar-powered, radio. These do not need batteries.
Cell phone, car charger and/or extra battery
Lighting - 2 flashlights for each person and 2 extra packets of batteries, or wind-up flashlight
Battery-operated lanterns, replacement bulbs and batteries

Note: It is best to avoid using open flames such as candles or kerosene lamps for lighting as these carry a great risk of starting a fire. Flashlights provide the safest light.

Personal hygiene, sanitation & health aids:

Toiletries
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Insect repellant
Hand sanitizer
First-aid kit
Bleach (pure, unscented)
Water purification tablets
Heavy-duty trash bags
Containers for sewage - at least two 5-gallon buckets, with tight-fitting covers. Line with plastic bags
Cash

Important documents

Keep these records in a waterproof pouch in a convenient place known to all family members. When a storm is threatening, place your pouch in your survival kit. The pouch should include the following:

Personal identification, Passports and travel visas (or waivers)
Immigration records/permits
Other travel documents such as airline tickets
Emergency contact list and phone numbers
Bank and credit card account numbers
Insurance policies & papers – household, auto and life
Inventory of valuable household goods
Contracts, deeds, stocks, bonds and will.
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates and immunization records)

Pet items

Pet carrier(s)
extra pet food
water
litter

Extra gasoline for vehicles/generator (at least 7 day supply)
Jumper cable for vehicle
Blanket, sleeping bag, small pillow for each person

Storing your supplies

Pack smaller items in waterproof containers and store on a shelf or countertop away from the floor in case of flooding. Tie bigger items down or store in a safe place where they won’t float or blow away.
Generators: Remember that generators should be stored with oil - but not gasoline, which can ignite easily.

Grab and go survival Kit

Conditions may change suddenly in an emergency and you may have to leave at a moment’s notice. When a hurricane threatens, get together a personal survival kit from your supplies or, better yet, prepare it beforehand. The kit is a bag or other portable container with your most important emergency items, which you can just grab if you have to go in a hurry. Each family member should have one. It should contain:

Drinking water for at least three days (see guidelines above)
Food and drink for at least three days - lightweight, compact, water-proof- packaged, non-perishable items that don’t need
cooking, heating or refrigeration and which can be eaten from the container
Change of clothing and sturdy, protective shoes; rain gear, hat, sun glasses
Sleeping bag, mat or blanket

In addition, the kit for each adult and each child old enough to carry them should contain:

Personal identification and other important documents (see box)
Portable radio, flashlight and extra batteries
Cell phone and charger/ extra battery
Can opener, utility knife, utensils
Cash (including coins)
Prescription medicine if necessary (Ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidelines for storing these.)
Eyeglasses if used (extra pair and/or a copy of the prescription)
Extra keys for house and vehicles
Special items for children, elderly or those with special needs
Store other valuables in a water-proof container on the highest level of your home to minimize the chance of them becoming soaked.

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