Hurricane Preparedness
In Case of Emergency
Items to include in an emergency supply kit
BASICS
- Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, three days’ supply of nonperishable food
- Radios, battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle, to signal for help
- Dust masks to filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Garbage bags with moist towelettes and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener
- Local maps
ALSO CONSIDER
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for pets
- Important family documents – including copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records – in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Emergency reference material like a first aid manual
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets for each person
- Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper – A solution of nine parts water to one part bleach can be used as disinfectant and water can be treated with 16 drops of bleach per gallon
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container.
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils and paper towels.
- Paper and pencils
- Books, games, puzzles and/or other activities for children
Getting Prepared for Power Outages
During a storm and for some period of time following, many residents will face interruptions in their power and may not have water.
IF A BLACKOUT IS EXPECTED
- Register life-sustaining electrical equipment with your utility company
- Purchase a generator or find out where you can rent one if you use life-sustaining equipment that requires electricity
- Make sure you have the contact number for your utility company available
- Learn how to open your garage door, if you have one, without electricity
- Put together a power outage kit, containing items such as glow sticks, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries and a wind-up clock
- Make sure you have a source of fuel
- Get a corded or battery-powered telephone; cordless phones do not work without electricity
- Unplug computers and other similar equipment to protect them from power surges
IF THE POWER OUTAGE IS GOING TO BE LENGTHY
- Report the power outage to your utility company
- Once you’ve reported it, don’t use your telephone or cell phone. Phone lines are needed for emergency use, and you shouldn’t call 911 unless you need police, fire or emergency medical personnel
- Disconnect all appliances to protect them from possible low voltage damage
- Stay away from downed power lines. This is an acceptable emergency use of your phone.
- Conserve water
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to extend the time the appliances continue to cool
- Maintain proper ventilation if cooking on kerosene stoves
- Make sure your home is properly wired for a generator connection, and connect lights and appliances directly to the generator, not the existing electrical system
- Leave one light switch in the on position to alert you when service is restored.
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