Preparing a disaster supply kit
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on September 10, 2018 5:50 AM
The National Weather Service recommends getting supplies before a hurricane becomes a threat.
• Water, at least a three-day supply, one gallon per person per day• Food, at least a three-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare foods• Flashlight• Battery powered or hand-crank radio• Extra batteries• First aid kit• Medications, at least a seven-day supply, and medical items, such as hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.• Multipurpose tool• Sanitation and personal hygiene items• Copies of personal documents, such as a medication list and personal medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to your home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies. Put them in a plastic zippered bag so they will not get wet• Cellphone with chargers• Family and emergency contact information• Extra cash in a plastic zippered bag so it will not get wet• Emergency blankets• Maps of the area• Baby supplies, such as bottles, formula, baby food and diapers• Pet supplies, such as a collar, leash, identification, food, a carrier and bowl• Tools and supplies for securing your home• Extra sets of car keys and house keys• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes• Rain gear• Insect repellent and sunscreen• Camera for photos and damage
In addition to having enough food and water for several days, the NWS recommends even longer, up to at least one week.
Be sure fill prescriptions and have medicine on hand. Radios, batteries and phone chargers are also must-haves.
Filling up your gas tank and making sure you have cash are important, since the loss of electricity can lead to disruption in gas supplies and banking or ATM machines.
Know your evacuation route, and find out where friends and loved ones will be and how to get in touch with them.
Prepare your home by cleaning out gutters and clearing property of debris that could damage buildings during strong winds.
Stay tuned to local news for the latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center, as well as state and local emergency management officials.
Sources: American Red Cross, National Weather Service and N.C. Emergency Management