Build a Kit/”To-Go Bag”
You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate.
Recommended Items for Your Emergency Supply Kits
• Water – at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food – at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask and plastic sheeting
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Additional Items to consider:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Important family documents such as insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
• Sleeping bag or blanket for each person.
• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Make a Plan - Family Disaster Plan
• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
• Have an out of state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
• Make a plan now for what do with pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to dial 911.
• Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with smoke detectors.
• Tools – keep a set with you during the storm
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
• Pet care items
• Proper identification/immunization records/medications
• Ample supply of food and water
• A carrier or cage
• Muzzle and leash
Plan to Protect Property
Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. You should:
• Cover all of your home’s windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
• Install a generator for emergencies.
• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
• Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency by visiting www.foodsafety.gov.
Be Informed - What to do during a hurricane.
If a hurricane is likely in your area:
• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets.
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
• A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
• A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
