It’s a little hard to believe that June 1 and hurricane season are right around the corner. For more than 10 years, the Emerald Coast has been fortunate that no major storms have made landfall. But that doesn’t mean we should forget that it’s possible.
Before we all start watching the Weather Channel to find out where Jim Cantore will be during a storm (a sure sign of impending landfall), get your hurricane kit together now. If we have another good year, you’ll have it ready for next year. And if we do have a storm, you’ll be ready.
Has it been awhile since you put together a hurricane kit? Is this your first one? Here’s what you need.
- One gallon of water per person in your home is good for one day. Get enough water to last three days.
- Non-perishable food items like canned goods and boxed foods that don’t need to be cooked or refrigerated after you open it.
- Hand-crank, solar, or battery-powered radio
- Flashlights – at least enough for everyone to have their own, but more is better
- Extra batteries in every size to power all your battery-operated devices
- Fully stocked first aid kit with bandaids, bandages, gauze, etc.
- Whistle to help call for help if you get trapped
- Manual can opener
- Plastic or garbage bags to dispose of trash and waste
- Moist towelettes or baby wipes to keep you clean
- Clorox wipes to clean everything else
- Chargers for your cell phone – get solar, if you can find them
- Dust mask in case the air is contaminated
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover your windows from the inside if you’re sheltering at home
- Local maps – remember, towers may be down and GPS will be affected
- Extra food and water for your pets
- Copies of all important documents
- Bleach – just a few drops in a gallon of water can make it safe to drink. Just the basic kind – nothing scented or with added fragrances/cleaners
- Paper plates and towels and plastic utensils
- Fire extinguisher
Just before the storm arrives, you’ll have to decide whether you’re evacuating out of the area, going to a shelter, or staying at home. You’ll also need to add a few things to your emergency kit.
- Prescription medications and eyeglasses; refill prescriptions before the storm arrives to make sure you have enough later
- Cash
- Extra diapers and baby food/formula
- Extra changes of clothes
Of course, we all hope any hurricanes pass us by and wherever they land, they do little damage. But ask anyone who’s lived around here for more than 10 years, and they’ll tell you it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even a small storm can wreak havoc. Get your hurricane kit ready now, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about during hurricane season.
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