SolveYourProblem Article Series: Hurricanes
Hurricane Facts, Tips and Safety Protocols

How To Create a Hurricane Disaster Supply Kit

If you live in an area prone to hurricane activity, you will need to have a family disaster plan in order to ensure that each member of your family will survive not only the hurricane itself, but also the accompanying disasters, such as inland flooding, high winds, and even tornadoes as they are quite often spawned during the duration of the hurricane winds. Yet you do not want to get caught unaware on the supply front either – create a hurricane disaster supply kit to ensure that you and your family will have all the items you need to survive without outside help for at least three days, but preferably one week.

Granted, in the wake of a disaster there will probably be emergency responders coming to the aid of those who are stranded and need rescuing, but depending on where you are located, it may take a little while for the emergency personnel to come to you. Similarly, do not divert rescuers from helping others in dire straits, if you can hold out for another day in your location. Having an adequate survival kit will make sure that you will be ok for as long as possible.

Yet do you know what to put in your hurricane disaster supply kit?

First and foremost is a battery-operated radio with plenty of extra batteries. Staying informed will save your life, and keeping in mind that electricity will probably be out for a period of time, you will not be able to rely on a plug in appliance.

Secondly, you will need drinking water. As a matter of fact, you will need enough water for each member of your family, as well as a little extra for your pets. The general rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person per day. If you have foods in your survival pack that require water in their preparation, you may need to increase that estimate.

Non-perishable foods are next on the list. If you have an infant, remember her or his formula! If you have a pet, make sure you have dry food or kibble available for it. Make sure your food supplies have a high caloric value to keep you going, but do not fall into the junk food category. For example, power bars and nutrition bars are a good idea, but salted peanuts, and potato chips take up space and do not offer a lot of energy. Think of things that can be eaten cold.

Carry a first aid kit that also has about a week’s worth supply of any medication you or your family is taking. Also keep some sunscreen in this kit, just in case you find yourself stranded on top of your roof and may have to camp out there for a few days.

Have blankets and pillows in bright colors. These will not only keep you warm, but will also help rescuers to see you.

Have some personal toiletries put away, as well as some antibacterial soap. Contact with inland flood waters oftentimes also means contact with raw sewage and other contaminants, and you will need to have a way of cleaning yourself should you come in contact with this water.

Have some books, toys for the kids, and even board games available to pass the time.

As you can see, with proper preparation and a complete disaster survival kit, you will be able to be your own first responder, and also keep your family safe in a time of turmoil and trouble, when help might be slow in coming.

Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family. Click to see valuable emergency preparedness supplies and information. Be ready. Be prepared. I love this website. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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