HURRICANE PREP / STORM EMERGENCY KIT
Storm surges and hurricanes are becoming larger and more aggressive in recent years, prompting families, individuals, and business owners to make radical changes in the way they prepare for a storm.
It is well-known in communities where storms are frequent that food, water, and shelter are some of the most important and broad items to plan for, and have on hand during some of the most deadly storms, but there are other items often left off lists and during preparations that are a cause for concern, when the time comes to hunker down and prepare for a storm.
It’s important to plan ahead of time and have your windows properly secured with boards or shutters or have installed stormproof, hurricane impact windows and doors way ahead of storm season if possible. In addition, having the right necessities on-hand will make all the difference in weathering the storm.
This article will highlight 10 of the most important items you need to have in a storm emergency kit or a storm preparedness kit in your home, in your car, or at the office. Read on to find out how to stay safe and prepared during the next storm surge in your area, and share this article with family members who are in the oath of some of these deadly storms.
What is a Storm Emergency Kit?
A storm kit is a bag, box, or container that contains items that a person, or a small group of people, need to survive a storm. These items, of course, include food, water, and medicine, but there are other items necessary to include in a kit as well.
A storm kit should include enough supplies to last three days or 72 hours. The kit should also be stored in an area that is dry, high, and safe from large debris that will potentially fly around during a storm.
Here are the Top 10 Items to Include in Your Storm Emergency Kit:
Water
Water is the most important item to have in your storm kit and on hand during a storm or in an emergency situation, as water is easily contaminated during foul weather. FEMA suggests at least 1 gallon on hand per person, at all times, for areas where storms are frequent and large. Please consider if there are nursing mothers or children in your group or family, as they require more water.
Food
It’s no surprise that food is the second most important item on the list. All food should be covered, nonperishable, and full of protein, healthy fats, and as many nutrients as possible. Ideas include canned vegetables, canned beans, peanut butter, closed containers of cereal, and other food that isn’t too salty. For the canned goods, make sure a can opener is on hand in the storm emergency kit as well.
Battery powered or hand-cranked radio
A hand-cranked or battery-operated radio may be the only source of communication with the world if the electricity is out, and batteries for phones and iPads are dead. Organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will broadcast instructions from these devices to update you.
First-aid kit
A first-aid kit is critical for any potential injuries that might occur while in an emergency situation. Items that should be stored in a first-aid kit include ice packs, bandages, prescriptions, antibiotic ointments, and any other small items to treat injuries.
Flashlights
A small handheld compact flashlight might be the difference between being in the dark and being able to see in the dark. Choose a battery powered option or a solar-powered light.
Blankets and sleeping bags
Blankets and sleeping bags are useful if you have found higher ground but don’t have a clean, warm bed to crawl into. If you are in the worst-case scenario and need to be rescued, you will have a place to sleep in, inside a shelter.
Sanitary items
Some items that fall into this category include diapers, toothpaste, feminine products, creams, wipes, and other items that you might not know you need until you don’t have them. Store these items in waterproof containers.
Eating utensils
Your kids might think it’s cool to eat with their hands, but not all of the adults will think so. Before busting into the canned beans, make sure your utensils are packed inside your emergency kit, and there is enough for everyone (sorry kids!).
Games
Face it, there is only so much small talk before the hunkering down gets boring. Simple games like a deck of cards, dice, and other small board games might be something to make the time pass by faster.
Cash money
Include cash in your storm emergency kit in case you have to leave the home quickly. You might run into a situation where you need supplies, the electricity is out, and debit cards are not possible to use (ancient times, right?).
We hope you never have to actually be in the middle of an emergency situation, but, if in your area it is a concern, use these tips to stay safe.
For more information about storm preparedness, and how to protect your home, read our other articles on the subject, today!
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