Disaster Supply Kit

Hurricane troubles do not immediately go away after your family evacuates to a safe area. Families need many items to keep them happy, healthy and safe in stressful situations. A well-stocked disaster supply kit could save your life.

Stock your kit well in advance of the hurricane season. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests making a family game out of gathering the items, such as a scavenger hunt that gets the entire family involved in putting the kit together. Go over each item with the family and why it is important that it is a part of your family’s kit. Give points for the finder of each item and award a prize for the family member getting the most points.

Here are some items to consider adding to your family’s kit:

· Water – have at least one gallon of water for every family member for as many as three days.
· Food – pack three days worth of non-perishable foods, high-energy snacks, vitamins, paper plates, utensils, napkins, can opener, etc.
· Credit cards and cash – make sure you withdraw money in advance of the storm. Banks and ATMs may close up to two days in advance of a hurricane.
· Important documents – bring copies of all insurance papers, medical records, etc. Review the Before the Storm section for what documents you should bring.
· Blankets and pillows – be prepared to sleep in places without beds.
· Clothing for all occasions – bring sturdy shoes and clothes that will last through a storm or sunny weather.
· Battery-operated weather radio – if you have not updated your weather radio, now might be the time. National weather services have added features to the new radios that could help you in a hurricane.
· Flashlight – do not use candles. Candles are just asking for trouble.
· Extra batteries – make sure you have batteries to fit your radio, flashlight and any other appliance found in your disaster supply kit.
· First aid kit – make sure you have items that can help your family in case of injury. Read the First Aid Kit section below for items to place in this kit.
· Toiletries – make sure that you have items to keep you clean and healthy. Items to bring include: hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, feminine supplies, etc.
· Keys – have keys to your home, second cars, storage sheds, etc. with you. You never know what could get blown away.
· Tools and supplies – make sure that you have tools that can help you out of sticky situations. Some common tools found in disaster supply kits include: aluminum foil, crowbar, compass, paper and pencil, medicine dropper, needles and thread, matches in waterproof container, pliers, screwdriver, hammer, nails, wood screws, storage containers, rope, map, can opener, paper cups, paper plates, utensils, duct tape, tire patch kit, bleach and garbage bags.
· Kids activity survival kit – Keeping the kids happy will keep the parents happy. Read the Kids Activity Survival Kit section below for items to place in this kit.
· Baby supplies – make sure you have everything you need to keep your baby happy and healthy. Babies need formula, diapers, bottles, powered milk, blankets, medication, etc.
· Pet supplies – prepare for your pets by bringing a leash or harness, pet taxi, vaccination records and tags, food and water for three days, litter and litter box, etc.
· Special items – keep in mind any special needs that your family may have. Elderly may need special items such as wheelchair or walker.

First Aid Kit

Every family should have a first aid kit in their car and home whether there is a hurricane or not. A first aid kit is a necessary item in any disaster supply kit. The list of items that should be in your kit appear below:

· Scissors
· Sunscreen
· Thermometer
· Tweezers
· Needle
· Sanitizer
· Latex gloves
· Moistened towelettes
· Safety pins
· Gauze and gauze pads
· Bandage wrap
· Assorted band-aids
· Antibiotic ointment
· Non-prescription drugs, such as laxatives, anti-diarrhea medication, aspirin or other pain reliever, antacid, activated charcoal and syrup of Ipecac
· Prescription drugs or other medicines

Kids Activity Survival Kit

Hurricanes are stressful enough without having to worry about entertaining the little ones. An essential part of any disaster survival kit is activities and other items that may make your children feel safe and happy.

Grab a backpack and fill it with:

· A few favorite books
· Coloring books and crayons
· Paper, pens and pencils
· A few toys or stuffed animals
· A board game
· A deck of cards
· A puzzle
· Favorite blanket or pillow
· Pictures of family and pets
· Other favorite items