Ready...Set...Hurricane Season!

For those of us who live near the coast, June is more than just the beginning of sun-filled summer days.  June also means it is the beginning of hurricane season.  While we hope it is never needed, it is important to be organized and ready with hurricane supplies in the event a big storm heads your way. ​

As hurricane season begins, it is always a good idea to check your emergency kits and restock/replenish as needed (don’t forget to check expiration dates)…or if you don’t have an emergency kit already – now is the time to put one together!  By planning ahead, you will save yourself some serious headaches and worry when the time comes.  Every emergency kit might look slightly different based on your family’s needs, but we’ve put together a list of some things we always make sure to include in our emergency kits.  
Emergency Kit Supplies

• Non-perishable food items (recommended 3-5 day supply)
• Bottled water (recommended 1 gallon of water per person/per day for 3-5 days)
• Manual can opener
• Matches/lighter
• Battery powered and hand crank all weather radio (there are also some solar powered options that are great to consider)
• Chargers for all your electronics (phone, tablets, etc); battery back-up chargers will be very useful too
• Flashlights (don’t forget the appropriate size batteries/spare batteries)
• Medications (prescription and over the counter) 
• First Aid kit
• Personal hygiene items
• Hand sanitizer
• Face masks
• Mosquito repellent/sunscreen
• Sanitation products (toilet paper, cleaning wipes, garbage bags, etc.)
• Cooler and ice packs
•  Board games, puzzles, decks of cards, books, and other activities to keep you and your family occupied during times without power
• Disposable plates/utensils
• Waterproof container (for important documents/cash)

Special Considerations

• Baby supplies – diapers, wipes, formula, etc.
• Don’t forget about your furry family members…make sure you have your pet’s food, leash, carrier, and pet medications (as needed)
• Generator with extra gas
• Portable air conditioner/wall-unit air conditioner

With hurricanes, you generally have the benefit of knowing a big storm is likely heading your way.  When sheltering at home, these steps can help protect you and your family while you weather the storm and its impact on your area:

• Move valuable and “priceless” items to higher levels in the home that are less likely to flood.
• Fill up the gas tanks in all of your vehicles.  Don’t forget to fill extra gas cans that might be needed for use of a generator.
• Fill up bathtubs with water (to be used when flushing toilets).
• Turn off sprinkler systems that are set on timers.
• Board up windows.
• Get cash to have on hand.
• Secure outdoor items.
• Trim tree limbs as needed.
• Charge all phones, computers, tablets, cell phone back-up batteries, etc.
• Take measures to protect important paperwork.
  1. Photo IDs, passports
  2. Wills
  3. Insurance information
  4. Medical cards/records; vaccination records
  5. Financial information
  6. Property information (deeds, lease, insurance)
  7. Vet records

​In the event you decide to leave town quickly/must evacuate when a big storm is heading your way, it is always a good idea to have a “go-bag” packed ahead of time.   When it is time to quickly get out of town, you will be prepared and won’t have to worry about remembering all your necessities during stressful decision making moments.  
Items to consider packing in your “Go Bag”

• Non-perishable food items and bottled water (don’t forget a manual can opener if needed)
• Small hand crank all weather radio
• Change of clothes
• Poncho
• Flashlight with batteries/spare batteries
• Cash (small denominations)
• Important documents and important contact information
• Small first aid kit
• At least a 1 week supply of prescription medications
• Over the counter medications (as needed)
• Hand sanitizer
• Face mask
• Cell phone and charger/battery back-up charger
• Hygiene items (toothbrush/toothpaste, moist towlettes, etc.)
• Trash bags
• Additional considerations:  baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.) and pet supplies (food/medications/water, favorite toy/blanket, etc.)

 
Living near the Gulf of Mexico, our emergency preparedness tends to focus on hurricanes, but these emergency kits/supplies/tips are good to consider for anyone who might find themselves facing an emergency situation.
Remember, as Benjamin Franklin once said, an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure!
 
Happy Organizing,
Jen and Emily