The Items You Need In Your Hurricane Kit

With Hurricane Irma barreling toward the state of Florida, Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for the entire state. On Wednesday, the Florida Keys issued a mandatory evacuation, and other cities and counties in the state are sure to follow suit.

In the past, we covered issues on what to do to prepare your home in case of an evacuation and to prepare for a possible hurricane. Today, we’ll discuss the items that you will definitely need in your hurricane kit whether there is an evacuation order issued or not.

Hurricane Ready Kits

Battery Operated Radio: Many standard electronic alarm clocks have build in radios. We typically plug these into an outlet but most of them take batteries as more of a backup plan should your power go out. It’s a good idea to stick a battery in this and include it in your kit to ensure you’re able to pick up any emergency communication.

Food & Water: Enough food and water for each family member for 3-7 days. Try to include a gallon of clean water for each person per day, just to be safe.

Containers for food and water

Non Electric Can Opener

Flashlights, candles and a lighter

Extra Clothing: Things can go from bad to worse quickly during a hurricane. Make sure to include some extra warm clothing just in case you’re forced to unexpectedly leave your home. Sweatpants and long sleeve shirts will be best to protect yourself from the elements.

Cash: If power is out, cash may be the only means of buying items after the storm passes. Make sure to include smaller bills.

Photos: The harsh reality is that many people become separated during a disaster. Keeping photos of your family member and friends may help other to identify them and help your find them should this happen.

Extra paper towels and toilet paper

Fill Your bathtub: Filling the tub and other large containers with clean water will come in handy as the storm begins to pass.

Toiletries: Extra soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste

Water purification kit: Tablets, chlorine (plain) and iodine

In Case of Evacuation

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3-7 days; Gator Aid is good to fend off dehydration
Meeting Places: Designate two meeting places for your family
Contact Person
Food – at least enough for 3-7 days; non-perishable packaged or canned food; juices; foods for infants or elderly family members; snack foods; food for special diets
Non-electric can opener
Cooking tools, fuel
Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils
Bedding: Blankets, Pillows, etc.
Clothing
Rain gear
Sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit, Medicines, Prescription Drugs
Toiletries, Hygiene items, Moisture wipes, Dry shampoo
Flashlight, Batteries, Lantern
Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery; chargers; traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards: Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Important documents: Place in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag: Should include insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, prescriptions, etc.
Tools: Keep a set with you during the storm
Gas: Fill up your vehicles several days before landfall is expected; Gas stations could lose power during a storm and supply trucks may not be able to reach the area
Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; muzzle and/ or leash
Bleach without lemon or any other additives
Tire Sealer: Such as Fix-a-Flat
Fire extinguisher
Mosquito repellent
Keys
Toys, books and games for children
Duct tape
Cell Phone charging stations – locations where you can charge mobile devices