By Lauren King
CHECKLIST
Here’s what you need in a good hurricane/disaster kit.
- water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools and fuel
- paper plates and plastic utensils
- blankets and pillows
- clothing: include rain gear and sturdy shoes
- first aid kit (see list below), medicines and prescription drugs, and a list of your doctors, medications and allergies
- prescription eyewear
- special items for babies and the elderly
- toiletries, hygiene items
- whistle to signal for help
- dust mask, to help filter contaminated air
- flashlight and batteries
- radio (battery-operated)
- household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (when diluted in water, bleach can be used to kill germs)
- fire extinguisher
- matches in a waterproof container
- phones: fully charged cell phone with an extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- cash (with some small bills) and credit cards (banks and ATMs might not be available)
- keys
- toys, books, games
- paper and pen/pencil
- important documents in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag: insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card(s)
- toolbox
- sunscreen
- pet care items: ID, immunization records, medication, food and water, a carrier or cage, a muzzle and leash
Also, make sure your vehicle’s fuel tank is filled.
FIRST-AID KIT
Must-haves:
- two pairs of Latex or other sterile gloves
- sterile dressings
- soap and antibiotic towelettes
- antibiotic ointment
- burn ointment
- adhesive bandages (variety of sizes)
- eye wash solution
- thermometer
Additional items you might want:
- scissors
- tweezers
- petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- aspirin or other pain reliever
- anti-diarrhea medication
- antacid
- laxative
Source: ReadyVirginia.gov
SHOPPING LIST
To make creating a hurricane kit economical, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management has broken down a suggested supply list to purchase the basics in steps over four weeks. After this, you can add to the kit as needed.
Week One – Hardware store:
- containers to hold supplies (large plastic tub with lid, backpack, etc.)
- flashlights
- portable tool kit
- roll of duct tape
- utility knife
- tarp (to cover a leaky roof)
- battery-operated radio
- batteries for flashlights and radio
Purchase or gather from existing household supply:
- blanket or sleeping bag and pillow for each member of the household
- towels
- books or games for entertainment
- local road map
- set of extra clothing and shoes for each member of the household
Week Two – Grocery store:
- cans of meat, ready-to-eat soup, vegetables and fruit
- box of heavy-duty garbage bags with ties
- box of resealable food storage bags for important papers and small items
- hand-operated can opener
Week Three – Drugstore:
- toothbrushes and toothpaste
- over-the-counter and prescription medications
- sanitary wipes or liquid hand sanitizer
- feminine hygiene supplies
- bottle of shampoo
- family-size first aid kit
Week Four – Grocery store:
- gallons of water for each member of the household, including pets (at least one gallon per person per day)
- quick energy snacks (granola bars, nuts, raisins, trail mix)
- peanut butter
- cans of juice (not concentrate)
- rolls of paper towels
- six-roll pack of toilet paper
If needed, purchase extra items for:
- pets (food, leashes, toys, etc.)
- children (baby food, formula, diapers, coloring books, etc.)
- elderly or special needs family members (hearing aid batteries, special food, etc.)
Sources: National Hurricane Center, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Emergency Management
