The 2011 Hurricane Season is Here-Are YOU Ready? Part 2

The 2011 Hurricane Season is Here-Are YOU Ready?   Part 2

In Part 1, I covered what you can do NOW to prepare for hurricane season.   Whatever you can do now; whatever you can purchase now will go a long way in removing some of the stress when your area comes under a Hurricane Watch.

What Should You Have Packed?

Since 9/11, many homes have prepared "To Go" boxes.  You don't have to live in a hurricane prone area... there are tornadoes, floods, fires, and other emergency situations where you may have to evacuate your home.  The most important thing is that you and your family leave if you are told to evacuate.  However, having some of the items packed away can help you through this terrible time.

The items on the list are suggestions (well... strong suggestions) and you can add or eliminate based on your own circumstances.

Emergency "To Go" Box

1. Small Battery Operated Radio, you can get one that also operates on solar power.
2. Flashlights, candles, batteries *the Hands Free Miner's Headlights are a must!* Glo-sticks
3. First Aid Kit, including anti-diarrhea medicine.
4. Plastic garbage bags of all sizes, toilet paper, paper goods (cups,plates),Zip locks, utensils, knife, scissors.
5. Sunscreen and bug repellent
6. Canned goods, can opener, lighters, wet one, soap, matches.
7. Road maps, paper, pencil, list of emergency phone numbers.
8. Cash- don't get all $100's... keep smaller denominations!
                                   9. Disposable camera to document damages
                                  10. Duct Tape and some basic tools

Having a "To Go" box will help you if you have to leave your house and either be on the road or in a shelter.  The items listed above can be stored and kept in an easy to reach spot in your utility room or the kitchen pantry. 

Please don't wait to get your items together.  Start buying a few gallons of water each week and storing them.  Remember you'll need 1 gallon of water per person per day! 

For those of you who have been through a hurricane or some other natural disaster you know that it very well can be days or weeks before help is able to get to you with water and other supplies. 

Help FEMA and other First Responders help you AND others by having on hand the minimum suggested amount of water, food, and other daily necessities.

Part 1-What You Can Do Now