HURRICANE PREPARDNESS CHECKLIST:
Having a hurricane preparedness checklist will provide reassurance that you will have thought of all the essentials (provided that they are on the list) and will greatly reduce the likelihood that you will forget something during the stressful time immediately before a potential hurricane disaster. No list is a perfect list, but perhaps this list will help get you going in the right direction.
General Supplies
- Pack a to-go bag: This ‘basic’ overnight bag should be easy to take with you if you have to evacuate in a hurry and should include a change of clothes, bottled water, flashlight and important documents.
- Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not work for a while after the storm.
- Battery-operated radio: Make sure you have extra batteries too, so that you can keep up with news reports and alerts. Hand-crank radios work well, too.
- Secure a two-week supply of prescription medicine: Anyone on prescription medications, should pack a two-week supply of their meds in a sealable plastic bag, clearly labeled.
- Flashlight and lanterns: Make sure you have a couple of flashlights, candles, matches, lanterns, other alternate sources of light and plenty of batteries.
- Personal hygiene items: It might be hard to get to the store to buy toilet paper, tissues, soap, baby diapers and other sanitary items after the storm.
- Make copies of your insurance policy: Having an extra set of you insurance policy in a water tight ziplock bag is essential. Also take pictures of your home and your personal belongings.
- Pet items: Remember food, medicine and water for your pet, too.
- Disinfectant: You never know what mess you’ll have after a storm.
- Prepare early: Emergency items sell out quickly at the stores, so stock up your kit before hurricane season even starts.
- Plywood: Nailing plywood over windows is still the best option for protecting the inside of your house if you don’t have hurricane shutters.
- Sand bags: If you live in a low area, especially, use sand bags to dispel water.
- Bring outside furniture indoors: Move patio furniture and pool toys into the garage.
