If disaster strikes, will you be prepared?
In just a few hours, Hurricane Florence quickly grew into a Category 4 storm Monday morning. Several states along the east coast have already issued State of Emergency and evacuation orders for their coastal counties.
Local, state and federal agencies are currently making preparations for possible landfall later this week, and urging residents to do the same.
To help get you prepared for the possible impact of Hurricane Florence and other disasters, here are some tips and items you can use when assembling a basic disaster supply kit before the storm arrives:
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Other items you may want to consider when assembling your emergency supply kit:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lense solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a
- waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Once you have assembled your emergency supply kit, make sure you take the proper steps to maintain the kit so it’s ready when needed.
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change
Remember, emergencies and disasters can strike anyplace at anytime. Be prepared by assembling kits you can store at home, at work and in vehicles.
- Home
- Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work
- Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle
- In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Click the link for a helpful checklist you can use when assembling your kit: Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
You can also get additional tips and information for emergency and disaster preparations by clicking here.
