Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards – Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

Tell us what is in your kit.

Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places–a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to
Make Hurricane Plans!
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Take these items with you when evacuating:

* Prescription medications and medical supplies;
* Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
* Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
* Car keys and maps
* Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

HURRICANE WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

HURRICANE WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Experts agree on the following action plan:

What to in a Hurricane WATCH

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.

Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.

Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.

Fill your car’s gas tank.

Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.

Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

What to in a Hurricane WARNING

Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.

Complete preparation activities.

If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.

Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.

Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.

Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

The most improtant decision you will make is “Should I Evacuate?”

It is unlikely that emergency managers will ask you to evacuate, but if you are asked to evacuate, do so without delay! That means that it is important for you and your family to HAVE A PLAN that makes you as safe as possible.

Disaster prevention includes securing your home and having the critical supplies on hand to survive the storm. This site has many helpfull suggestions, but you should use common sense in your disaster prevention.