Keep at least one gallon of water per person per day on hand for each person in your household. Children, nursing mothers and people who are ill will need more. |
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Family Emergency Kit
Stock up!
What you have on hand when a hurricane hits can make a big difference to how well your family handles it. Create your own disaster preparedness kits - one for home and one to go as a "Go Bag" in case you need to evacuate - with enough supplies for everyone in your household for three days.
Your disaster preparedness kits should include:
- Water. At least one gallon per person per day.
- Food. Non-perishable items you'd want to eat - such as canned food (and manual can opener), energy bars, peanut butter and other nutritious foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
- First aid kit. Pack a "how to" guide as well.
- Medications. Essential prescription and non-prescription items and medical information.
- Battery-powered flashlight and radio (or crank radio), extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick.
- Clothing. A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
- Personal items. Remember eye glasses or contact lenses and solution, personal care and hygiene items, extra charged cell phone batteries and comfort items such as toys or books.
- Important documents including money. Be sure to include copies of identification, licenses, titles and deeds, as well as banking, insurance and other vital documents. Remember to include cash - ATMs and credit cards won't work if the power is out.
- Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container.
Copies of:
- Drivers' licenses
- Wills
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Insurance policies
- Proof of residence (deed or lease)
- Recent tax returns
- Credit card and bank account numbers
- Social Security cards
- Passport numbers
- Home inventory list
- Special items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Be ready to GO!
In the event of a hurricane WATCH or WARNING, put these items into a smaller, portable GO Bag - such as a hands-free backpack or duffel bag - or a container in case you need to evacuate. Keep it by your front door or an exit in case of an emergency evacuation.
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