Preparing for the Hurricane - Checklist

[Click here to download a PDF version of the checklist]

Hurricanes do happen - be prepared instead of surprised - plan ahead.

Basic items/categories you should stock for an emergency include:

1. Water
2. Food
3. First Aid Supplies
4. Clothing/Bedding
5. Tools & Emergency supplies
6. Special Items

Now is the time to go over your hurricane preparedness. If you have not made any emergency plans, you should do them now. Planning ahead will save you unnecessary stress from not knowing what to do or not having the supplies you will need to get you through the hurricane watch, warning, storm, and aftermath. Print and post this list on the refrigerator or somewhere it will be easily seen.

Plan Well Before Hurricane Season

Create An Emergency Plan

• Discuss with family members what could happen

• Discuss where to meet

• Discuss what to do if an evacuation is needed

• Discuss shelters/rules

• Discuss what to do with family pets

• Discuss how to protect elderly

• Replace stored batteries

• Test fire extinguishers according to instructions

• Store your supplies in a convenient, dry place.

• Review your supply needs yearly.

• Keep items in air tight plastic bags.

• Replace clothing articles for growing children.

• A large, clean garbage can in which you can store your supplies until needed. This can also be used to store clean water for use during the storm.

• CASH if the electricity goes out no automatic tellers will work.

• Credit cards.

• Identification/Valuable papers/documents

• Drinking water for 5-10 days (1 gallon/person/day). Do not use milk containers that will break or decompose; use plastic soda bottles.

• Canned/packaged food (1-2 weeks).

• Canned meats, canned fish, canned fruits & vegetables, canned juices, dried fruit, bread, crackers, peanut butter, jelly and bottled water. Try to purchase in one meal packages, once opened they will spoil quickly.

• Sugar, salt, pepper.

• Coffee, tea bags.

• Hard candy, especially for diabetics.

• Special dietary foods.

• Baby food/formula/diapers.

• Food and medication for pets.

• Toilet paper/paper towels/personal items/baby diapers.

• Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush.

• One change of clothing and footwear per person.

• Two-week supply of prescription medicine.

• Extra pair of glasses/contacts.

• Aspirin/First Aid Kit.

• Suntan Lotion.

• Mosquito Repellant.

• Non-electric can opener

• Two portable coolers one for food; one for ice.

• Battery-operated radio or TV.

• Eating utensils/paper plates, cups, plasticware.

• 2-3 flashlights/extra batteries.

• Lantern with fuel.

• Bleach (for disinfecting).

• Tarps.

• Trash bags.

• Matches (waterproof) and candles.

• Fire extinguisher.

• 100 feet of rope.

• Sleeping bags/blankets.

• Duct tape.

• Plywood/tools (hammer, screwdriver, nails, etc.).

• Camp stove with extra fuel.

• Extra car and house keys.

• Car tire sealant.

• Rain gear.

• Books, cards, games, toys, etc. (for children).

• Charcoal/ice. § Clean-up supplies (mop, bucket, towels, disinfectant).

• Camera and film.

• Compass

• Signal flares

• Needles, thread

• Medicine dropper

• Whistle

• Plastic sheeting

• Map of the area

• Utility knife

• Tent

• Hammer, pliers, screwdriver, saw

• Aluminum foil, plastic storage containers

• Disinfectant

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