| The first thing that you should be aware of is | | | | pharmacist should have these on hand. An |
| that you should have the necessary materials on | | | | assortment of non-prescription drugs should also |
| hand before hurricane season ever hits. You know | | | | be included: aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, |
| by experience that as soon as a hurricane is | | | | antacid, anti-diarrhea and a laxative. Some people |
| expected to make landfall, that regardless of | | | | will also include activated charcoal, but it should |
| where you live, you will be running from grocery | | | | only be used if the Poison Control Center |
| store to hardware store and may still not be able | | | | recommends its usage. |
| to find everything you need. The other things is | | | | When it comes to sanitation, clothing and bedding, |
| that if you are told to evacuate-do so! Many | | | | common sense should prevail. Always include toilet |
| people have lost their lives in a strong hurricane | | | | paper or moist towelettes for that purpose. |
| when there was adequate warning. Do what you | | | | Personal hygiene items should be on the top of |
| can to protect your property, and then get the | | | | that list, as should soap or liquid detergent. A |
| heck out of Dodge! | | | | plastic bucket with a tight-fitting lid is a must for |
| Now, you can use most of your materials | | | | personal waste, as is a disinfectant in order to |
| whether or not you evacuate. Stock the six | | | | keep odors and germs down. Also don't forget to |
| basics: food, water, tools, clothing, bedding, first | | | | include plastic garbage bags with ties. These can |
| aid supplies and emergency supplies in a large, | | | | be very small, like the ones used for office trash |
| covered trash can, a large covered, plastic | | | | cans, but also include a couple of large ones to |
| storage container, in a duffle bag or in a backpack. | | | | hold all of the personal and household waste. |
| Keep it handy and check it regularly, refreshing or | | | | Bleach is a great disinfectant. When it comes to |
| changing the items out as necessary. If you are | | | | clothing, include one complete change of clothes |
| able to ride out the storm in your home, having | | | | (don't forget shoes) per person. Blankets and/or |
| these supplies all in one place will make life so | | | | sleeping bags should suffice for bedding, but |
| much easier for you and if you are forced to | | | | consider rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots, hats, |
| evacuate, take them with you. They may prove | | | | gloves, sunglasses and thermal under clothing. Yes, |
| to be a real life-saver. | | | | hurricane season usually occurs in the summer, |
| The rule of thumb for water is to store at least | | | | but those fall hurricanes can be extremely cold, |
| one gallon of water per person and plan on a | | | | especially when combined with high humidity or |
| 3-day supply, at the very least. This water will | | | | moisture. |
| provide for 2-quarts drinking water and 2-quarts | | | | Your tool box and supplies will probably take up |
| food prep and sanitation, per person. Store the | | | | the most room, but will be filled with invaluable |
| water in plastic containers, such as soft drink | | | | items that if you don't have, you'll be wishing that |
| bottles or those sold with the camping equipment. | | | | you did. You should think about what you'll need |
| Avoid using milk cartons, that will decompose, or | | | | for eating and either get some mess kits, which |
| glass, that can break and is heavy to carry. | | | | are the most space-saving gadget, or plan on |
| As for food, a 3-day supply is also recommended. | | | | plastic utensils and disposable plates etc. You |
| The food items should be non-perishable and | | | | should always have a battery-operated radio with |
| require no cooking and little or no water. You can | | | | extra batteries. Store the batteries outside of the |
| choose food that will require cooking if you pack | | | | radio and exchange the batteries regularly to |
| Sterno for that purpose. The best food to include | | | | insure they stay fresh and are good when you |
| will be compact and lightweight, yet high in | | | | need them. Do the same with your flashlights and |
| nutrients and protein. Don't forget a supply of | | | | have at least two flashlights with you. You would |
| vitamins also. Your food stock might include | | | | hate to leave someone in the dark because you, |
| ready-to-eat canned vegetables, fruits and meats; | | | | yourself, needed to use the only flashlight to |
| canned juices, energy bars and staples like salt, | | | | navigate out of your "safe place" or shelter. You |
| pepper, sugar and limited spices. Don't forget to | | | | should have a shut-off wrench for the household |
| include some of those "comfort" foods that will | | | | gas and water, pliers, tape, plastic sheeting and a |
| help you get through some of the most difficult | | | | small hammer. A non-electric can-opener should be |
| times and if you have an infant or toddler in the | | | | included, as well as a utility knife and maybe |
| house, make sure you have plenty of food and | | | | another small to medium kitchen knife. If you |
| water on hand for them. The very young and the | | | | know how to use a compass, bring one along. |
| very old are at the highest risk for dehydration. | | | | Aluminum foil and plastic storage containers can |
| It is always a good idea to have a First Aid Kit | | | | be invaluable, as are matches in a waterproof |
| for your home, as well as one for each car, | | | | container. Bring a pencil and paper. If you and |
| regardless of the weather threat. Your First Aid | | | | your family are separated, many shelters will |
| Kit should include: an assortment of Band-Aids in | | | | provide bulletin boards for leaving notes; they |
| various sizes, at least one 5" x 9" sterile dressing | | | | can't provide papers and pencils for everyone. |
| and a roll of gauze bandaging. Include an | | | | Bring some needles and thread, a medicine |
| assortment of different sized sterile gauze pads | | | | dropper and a whistle. Find the loudest whistle you |
| and a couple of triangular wraps for slings. | | | | can-a ref's whistle or police whistle works best. |
| Germicidal wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer | | | | The whistle will be easier to "yell" with than your |
| works great for the person treating the patient | | | | voice that will fail eventually. |
| and also include antiseptic wipes in order to clean | | | | It is true that nothing can prepare you completely |
| wounds. At least one pair of medical-grade, | | | | for a devastating storm, but the better prepared |
| non-latex gloves are also recommended and you | | | | you are, the better you will no doubt fare. This is |
| might want to consider having a variety of sizes | | | | not one of those tasks that you should |
| on hand. These are really inexpensive and are | | | | procrastinate about. You will pay a lot less now to |
| well-worth the expense as compared to possible | | | | get all of these supplies and will be able to get on |
| infection, especially when water will be limited | | | | the road that much quicker if you have to |
| when it comes to hand washing. Also include a | | | | evacuate. Isn't it worth the effort and cost for |
| cold pack, scissors, anti-bacterial ointment, | | | | peace of mind? |
| tweezers and a CPR breathing barrier. Your | | | | |