Hurricane season begins on June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. While we can expect unpredictable amounts of rain, wind, and even tropical storms, it’s time to ask yourself — are you prepared if an emergency were to happen?
Currently, the NOAA is predicting an above-normal hurricane season (read: 8-13 hurricanes with 4-7 of those being category 3 or higher). It’s important to be prepared and to have a plan in place. That means having enough food, water, cash, and supplies to last at least three days, and maybe longer if you are in a hard-to-reach area and cannot evacuate to a safer location.
So, what should go in your kit? Each kit depends on you and your family’s personal needs, but here are a few essentials:
Sustenance and personal care
- Water — at least a gallon per person, per day
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Cash
- Basic toiletries
- Prescription and OTC medications
- A set of paper plates, utensils, and paper towels
- Pet and service animal supplies
- Baby supplies
- Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
- Change of clothes and a raincoat + rainboots
- A waterproof sleeve for important documents and cash
- Toys, books, and games
Safety
- First aid kit
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Waterproof whistles
- Local maps
- Fire extinguisher
- Duct tape
Communication and power
- Portable chargers for cell phones and other devices
- Generator
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
- Extra batteries
Is your hurricane kit must-have not on our list? Tell us about it so we can be extra prepared.
