Hurricane Supply Kit

Building A Hurricane Supply Kit

The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1^st and runs until November 30^th, which means that’s it’s important to have a hurricane supply kit on hand just in case disaster strikes. Circumstances may require you to evacuate your home at a moment’s notice or hunker down and shelter in place to wait for the storm to pass. If you wait until the last minute to get prepared, it may be too late to purchase the necessary items needed. Building a hurricane supply kit well in advance will provide some peace of mind knowing that you and your family are prepared and have the necessary supplies to get you through the situation at hand.

How To Store Your Hurricane Supply Kit

Store your hurricane supply kit items in an easy-to-carry plastic bin or in an airtight plastic bag that has a strap for carrying, or that can be placed inside of a duffel bag. You want to make sure your items stay protected, dry and that you can easily take them with you on the go.

What To Include in Your Hurricane Supply Kit

General Items

Cellphone and charger
Flashlights
Batteries
Non-electric can opener
Battery-powered radio
Whistle (to signal for help)
Plastic tarp
Duct tape
Water purifier
Plastic trash bags
Disinfectant wipes
Hand sanitizer
Soap
Toilet paper, paper towels, pre-moistened towelettes or baby wipes
Disposable cups, plates, bowls, napkins, and utensils
Pen and paper
Scissors

First Aid Kit

Bandages
Antiseptic
Sterile gauze pads
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Compress
Aspirin
Aspirin-free pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Tweezers
Thermometer
Petroleum jelly
Latex Gloves
Q-tips
Cotton balls

Food and Water

It is recommended to have enough non-perishable, high energy, low salt food to feed you, your family, and your pets for at least 7 days.
You will need one gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least 7 days plus water to use for cooking and washing.

Documents

Important phone numbers
Local maps
Copies of insurance policies
ID cards
Medical records
Banking information
Service animal ID cards

Pet Care

Vaccination records
Collar
Leash
ID
Food
Carrier
Bowls
Toys
Medication

Vehicle

Instant tire sealer
Extra fuel

Special Needs

A two-week supply of medications as well as the phone numbers for your pharmacy and doctor
Infant items – wipes, diapers, ready formula, bottles, rash cream etc.
Prescription eyeglasses, contacts and contact lens solution
Feminine supplies

Additional

Cash (banks, ATMS and debit card machines may not be available)
Ice chest/ cooler and ice
Matches
Fire extinguisher
Work gloves
Tools

If evacuating, you should also take

Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and air mattresses
Extra clothing and shoes
Folding chairs
Personal hygiene items
Games, books, playing cards and toys for children

Helpful Tips

Make sure to keep cellphones and other devices fully charged during the storm or until you have to evacuate. You may lose power for several hours or several days so conserve your battery for as long as possible. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure to have those fully charged before disaster strikes.
Store food in a cool, dry place and replace expired items as needed.
Keep your hurricane supply kit in a designated place and have it easily accessible.
Let friends and/or family know what your hurricane plan is. Keep them updated if you are evacuating (and where) or if you are planning on hunkering down at home. Be sure to keep your contact updated if your plans change.

Find Your Frugal: Five tips to help you save on hurricane preparedness expenses – News (ufl.edu)

References

https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/

https://manatee.hosted.civiclive.com/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/build_a_disaster_kit

https://www.ready.gov/kit

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html

For more information about Nelly Nelson, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, please visit: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/manatee/nutrition-and-healthy-living/family-and-consumer-sciences/

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