June 6, 2022

It is officially hurricane season! Is your family ready? If you live in hurricane-prone areas, you are encouraged assemble disaster supplies to hold your family and yourself over in the case of an emergency situation. 

Disaster Supplies

These disaster supplies can include some of the following items: 

• Cash — Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. 
• Water — at least one gallon per person per day for three to seven days, plus water for pets. 
• Food — at least enough for three to seven days, including: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, food for infants and the elderly, snack food, non-electric can opener, vitamins, paper plates, plastic utensils.  
• Radio — battery powered and NOAA weather radio with extra batteries.
• Blankets, pillows etc.  
• Clothing — seasonal, rain gear/ sturdy shoes. 
• First Aid Kit — plus medicines, prescription drugs. 
• Special items — for babies and the elderly.  
• Toiletries — hygiene items, moisture wipes, sanitizer.
• Flashlight and batteries.  
• Toys, books, games.
• Pet care items, proper identification, immunization records, ample food and water, medicine, a carrier or cage, leash.

Fire/Water Proof Document Case

In addition to disaster supplies to ensure your family’s basic comfort and well-being in the case of emergency or evacuation it is also important to consider storing important documents in a fire and water proof container. 

These documents can include some of the following: 

• Social Security cards
• Deeds or mortgages
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks and bonds
• Recent tax returns
• Wills 

Water

One important item that is also a necessity when handling your family’s hurricane preparedness is the importance of water. For that reason, we recommend stocking an emergency water supply in your home that can maintain yourself and the rest of your family. While individual needs will vary depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate, a normally active person needs at least two quarts of drinking water daily. Children, nursing mothers and people who are ill need more water.

It’s also worth noting that extreme temperatures can double the amount of water needed for each of your family members as you’ll need water for sanitary purposes, and possibly for cooking. For that reason you may want to consider storing at least one gallon of water per person per day.