In the event of a disaster before you leave, have your car checked.  A thorough safety check should include: ignition system, battery, lights,  tires, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, heater and air conditioner, brakes, wiper blades and windshield washer fluid,  high grade oil, and other lubrication.

Select alternate routes before you leave, in case your preferred route isn’t passable. Listen to the radio as you travel, and heed weather information. Seek shelter immediate if the storm seems severe. Try not to travel alone during a storm two or three traveling together can provide mutual aid. Travel with another car if possible. Make sure someone knows where you are going and the time you expect to arrive and your expected route.

 

Carry an emergency kit. An emergency kit should include: blankets or sleeping bags, matches and candles for  light, facial tissues and paper towels,   extra clothing and waterproof gear, high-calorie non perishable food, can opener, bottled water, compass, road map, knife, first aid kit, flash light with extra batteries, booster cables, portable radio with extra batteries, basic tools and  shovel.

 

                                                                                                             
Family Disaster Supply List

 

Household Items

• Battery-powered radio
• Battery-powered flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Cash or Travelers Checks and change
• Map to follow evacuation routes/ find shelters
• Minimum 3-day supply of nonperishable, packaged or canned food (e.g. Canned or dried juice mixes, powdered or canned milk, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, unsalted nuts, trail mixes, cereals, rice, cookies, hard candies, instant coffee, tea bags)
• Basic food seasoning (salt/pepper)
• Manual can opener
• Paper plates and cups
• Minimum 3-day supply of bottled drinking water - one gallon of water per person per day.  Don’t forget water for pets. Store water in sealed unbreakable containers.  Replace every 6 months.
• First Aid Kit
• Fire extinguisher (small ABC type)
• Duct tape
• Waterproof matches
• Sewing kit
• Plastic storage containers
• Paper, pencils and pens
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic sheeting/tarps
• Basic tool kit (adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, hammer, etc.)

 

Family Documents (stored in a water-proof container)

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Ownership Documents
• Insurance Policies
• Passports/ Visas
• Social Security Cards
• Bond/Stock Issues
• Wills/ Living Trusts
• Medical Records/ Children’s vaccinations histories
• Photocopies of all cards carried in wallet
• Backup disks of computer information
• Irreplaceable photographs/videotapes/family heirlooms
• Inventory of personal property for filing insurance claims
• List everything and include receipts of big-ticket items
• Videotape or photos of home contents to supplement your written inventory of your home. 

Clothing and Bedding (for each family member)

• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Hat and work gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent and sun screen

Sanitation Supplies

• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags with ties
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Unscented household bleach

Baby Needs

• Disposable Diapers
• Formula
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Changes of clothing

Adult/Elderly Needs

• Extra supply of prescription medicine refills (store in easily accessible bag in medicine cabinet, rotate pills as prescription is refilled)
• Walkers/ wheelchairs/canes
• Denture needs
• Extra set of prescription glasses/contacts
• Entertainment - books etc. 
• Extra set of car keys

 

Storing your supplies
Choose a cool, dark location in which to store your kit (i.e. a closet or "safety corner" in the garage).  If you live in an apartment or have limited space, be innovative. Other possible storage locations include under stairways or in a large box or plastic tub that can be covered with a tablecloth and used as an end table.

 

Layer and monitor your supplies
Layer supplies and keep them together in a container such as a plastic garbage can with wheels. Check the items every 6 months for expiration dates, changes in your children’s clothing sizes and weather requirements. A good way to remember to inspect your kit is to do it when you set your clocks back and change your smoke detector batteries.

 

Use what you already have

Use what you already have and prepare as if you are going camping for 3 days in the mountains with no facilities. If you are a camper, you have a head start. Camping supplies such as tent, camp stove, and water jugs can double as emergency supplies.

 

Tips for storing and using water
Purify water by boiling it for 5 -10 minutes or by adding drops of unscented household bleach containing 5.25% hypochlorite.  FEMA recommends using 16 drops of bleach per one (1) gallon of water. Purification tablets or a filter system designed for backpackers also work well. Store water in plastic three-liter soda bottles instead of plastic milk-type jugs. Milk jugs will breakdown over time, while soda bottles last considerably longer. Consider freezing water so it will last until needed. Frozen water also can be used for non-emergency situations like camping, fishing, hunting, etc. However, don’t forget to replace the water jugs when you get home.

 

Clean up kits: plastic bucket, sponges, mop, basic cleaning  solutions, broom, scrub brush, gloves (1 pair leather, 1 pair rubber), 50 gallon trash bags, one gallon bleach, laundry detergent, insect repellent and air freshener.
  

Comfort kits: bar soap, box tissue, bottle shampoo, comb, wash cloth, brush, hand towel, toothbrush, deodorant, toothpaste.

 

Baby care kits: diapers, gowns, baby shirts, formula, baby wash cloths, baby wipes, receiving blankets and baby bottle.

 

Pet care kits: proper identification / immunization records,  ample supply of food and water, carrier or cage, medications,    muzzle and leash.

Note:  Not all communities have shelter for dogs during hurricanes etc, check for a kennel in your area that can accommodate your pet during a man made or natural disaster.