Prepare Two Hurricane Kits Before The Storm
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-05-25 17:03:00-04:00
Who: Mary Lou Coutermarsh
Where: Port Charlotte, Fla.
Hit by What Storm: Charley
What Happened: When officials informed Coutermarsh that she had to evacuate her mobile home, she and a friend made some phone calls to find a safe place to stay. They fled to a clubhouse, each with a chair, blanket, pillow, clothes and enough medication to last a week. When Coutermarsh returned to her home later that evening, she found it inhabitable.
It Got Better When: Coutermarsh and her friend spent an hour restocking their evacuation kits at home and then found refuge at Pilgrim Church. They stayed for five days with 200 other evacuees, eating donated food and sleeping on cots. "We prepared ahead of time so we were very lucky. We had a lot of wonderful food to eat," said Coutermarsh.
Words to weigh: "People should be prepared way in advance. Give yourself some time to pack. You have to get important papers, medication, have plenty of gas if you have to go on the highway . . . . There are a lot of things to think about," said Coutermarsh.
Related Links
- Hurricane Recovery Kit
- Hurricane Evacuation Kit
Hurricane Recovery Kit
Store these items in a water-resistant container and leave them behind if you are required to evacuate. They will be very helpful when you return home:
Two weeks supply of
- Prescription medicines (with prescription information)
- Canned goods and nonperishable foods (and special dietary foods, if needed)
- Water (1 gallon per person, per day)
- Toilet paper, paper towels, pre-moistened towelettes
- Disposable dishes and eating utensils
- Water purification kits (tablets, chlorine (plain) and iodine)
10 sets of batteries for
- Flashlights
- Portable radio
First aid book and kit
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Antiseptic
- Adhesive tape
- Compress
- Non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Sun screen
- Insect repellent, etc.
Citronella candles
Zip-lock bags (for valuables)
Two coolers (one stores food, one to bring with you for ice)
Repair material: plastic tarp, screening, tools, nails, etc.
Infant necessities
Cleaning supplies
Camera and film
Books, magazines, cards, games
Non-electric can opener
Plastic trash bags
Charcoal, wooden matches and grill
Ice
Extra gas for home generator
Masking tape
Pet supplies—water, food, litter and scooper, collars (with ID), carrier, leash, toys, medicine, contact information of vet.
Important:
- Written instructions on how to turn off your electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so
- Phone numbers
- Keys
- Documents (in waterproof container):
- Driver's license
- Social Security card
- Proof of residence
- Insurance policies
- Tax records
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Deeds
- Wills
- Medical information
- Property inventories
- Photos
Hurricane Evacuation Kit
In addition to above materials, pack
Maps with evacuation route (also have alternative routes)
Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses
Extra clothing, shoes, rainwear
Eyeglasses, hearing aids (and batteries)
Folding chairs or cots
Personal hygiene items
Full tank of gas
Cash
Related Articles
- Five Steps for a Safe Hurricane Season
Follow these five steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during the Florida hurricane season. - Review your insurance
It's boring. If you don't do it, you may wish you had. - "Harden" your home against hurricane winds
Pick the right type of hurricane shutter to protect your home. - Prepare two hurricane kits
One helps if you evacuate. The other helps when you get home. - Evacuate—the smart way
Evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds of miles. - Provide for your pets
Make plans to take care of your pets. - Document your home and possessions
Photograph your home for insurance records.
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