Hurricane Guide: How to pack a disaster kit

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