What is it? All households (including single apartments, dorms, etc) should have a prepared Hurricane Kit all year, but especially during the Florida hurricane season. The Kit usually includes non-perishable food items, important medicines, a radio, etc. The purpose of the Kit is to be able to survive, take care of injuries, hear news and to protect very important papers/information during and after a hurricane has passed. The Kit may be stored in the garage, closet, attic, etc. when there is no threat. However, once a hurricane is approaching, the Kit should be in the same room that you have chosen as the “safe room”.
Some things that should be in the Kit:
- Water: Store at least one gallon per person per day and enough water to last three to seven days. Tip: fill your bathtubs with water when your area has a hurricane warning.
- Food: Store a three to seven day supply of nonperishable food such as: nonperishable packaged or canned food/juices, foods for infants or the elderly, non-electric can opener, cooking tools/fuel, and paper plates/plastic utensils.
- Clothing and Bedding: Store atleast three complete changes of clothing and at least one change of footwear per person. Also include blankets/sleeping bags and pillows, rain gear, and sturdy shoes or work shoes.
- First Aid Kit: This kit should be fully-stocked, including the following: (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes, (1) 5? x 9? sterile dressing, (1) conforming roller gauze bandage, (2) triangular bandages, (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads, (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads, (1) roll 3? cohesive bandage, (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer, (6) antiseptic wipes, (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves, Adhesive tape, 2? width, Anti-bacterial ointment, Cold pack, Scissors (small, personal), Tweezers
- Medications: Prescription and non-prescription drugs (ie: aspirin and/or non-aspirin pain reliever)
- Sanitation: Toilet paper/towelettes, Soap/liquid detergent, Feminine Products, Personal hygiene items, Disinfectants, Waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Tools and Supplies: ABC fire extinguisher, Battery-operated radio and extra batteries, Flashlight and extra batteries, Non-electric can opener, Utility knife, Pliers, Matches in a waterproof container, Tape, Shut-off wrench, Cash, Fully charged cell phone (with an extra battery) and/or a traditional (non-cordless) phone.
- Important Documents: These documents should be in a waterproof container or waterproof resealable bag. Include: insurance policies, will, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, medical records, immunization records, bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and companies, social security card, passports, family records (birth, marriage, death certificates), and inventory of valuable household goods.Also, write emergency contact information on notecards and put them in a resealable plastic bag.
