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Hurricane Florence hits the east coast and about one million people are preparing to evacuate their oceanfront property in the Carolinas and Virginia.
Whether the hurricane season begins, whether you are in the evacuation zone or not, it's a good time to check your hurricane preparation kit. Although we were not saying to buy a bunker somewhere in the Midwest, we do not do not say that. (As our climate changes and the oceans get warmer, scientists expect hurricanes to get worse.) In the meantime, some emergency supplies should be stocked just in case. You may never need it, but if you find yourself knocking down hatches in the next hurricane, you'll be happy to have them.
According to Ready.gov, Taxpayer-funded Prepers' website, funded by the Department of Homeland Security, here are the basic emergency supplies that everyone should include in their disaster preparedness kit. Put everything except water in a gym bag and you'll be ready to face the next disaster:
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and washing
- Food – at least three days of non-perishable food
- Hand crank or handheld radio and NOAA weather radio with audible alert
- Flash light
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to ask for help
- Dust mask to filter air and contaminated plastic sheets and tape
- Wet towels, garbage bags and plastic clips for personal sanitation
- Key or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps (as on paper)
- Mobile phone with chargers and battery backup
Download the list of recommended supplies (PDF)
If you are an advanced beginner in emergency preparedness, Ready.gov suggests adding some additional elements:
- Prescription Drugs
- Over-the-counter medications such as painkillers, antidiarrheals, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and solutions for contact lenses
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identity documents and bank records electronically saved or in a sealed portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing adapted to your climate and your sturdy shoes
- Household bleach and dropper to disinfect the water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a sealed container
- Women's supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper napkins and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
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