Every year we get hit with a few major storms and it seems that at the last minute everyone is running to the store to pick up some basic essentials to ride out a few days without power. I go to the store just to take pictures that I share with my friends, we laugh because the shelves where the bottled water was are all empty, the paper goods such as plates, napkins, and toilet paper have vanished. It seems that nobody is planning for the inevitable hurricane, or tropical storms that we get EVERY YEAR. The day before the storm people start watching the news to see if they are going to get hit by the weather and then they all go to the store for the same items, some people end up going with out batteries, or other desirable supplies because they failed to plan a few weeks early. I decided that before the storm comes I would share with you the items you need to get ahead time, this way you can go to the store when there is no crazy line, and not have to fist fight the lady for the last can of beans at the grocery store.
I found this great article by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration titles hurricane preparations and I strongly recommend that you read over it. It has all sorts of great points!
Below you will find a list of recommended supplies provided by the American Red Cross to ride out the storm and its aftermath. If you start to think that the list is excessive or you don't need that, then ask yourself how many people who said the same thing wish they had these items after Hurricane Sandy, or Katrina? We both hope you don't need all of these items during or after a storm but do you want to take that chance? I also attached a PRINTABLE PDF FILE of the checklist
❏ Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
❏ Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
❏ Flashlight
❏ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
❏ Extra batteries
❏ First aid kit
❏ Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
❏ Multi-purpose tool
❏ Sanitation and personal hygiene items
❏ Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
❏ Cell phone with chargers
❏ Family and emergency contact information
❏ Extra cash
❏ Emergency blanket
❏ Map(s) of the area
❏ Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
❏ Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
❏ Tools/supplies for securing your home
❏ Extra set of car keys and house keys
❏ Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
❏ Rain gear
❏ Insect repellent and sunscreen
❏ Camera for photos of damage
Stay safe this hurricane season!
Coal Infantino
Coldwell Banker
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