Basic Essentials Kit for Hurricane Survival
Water is an essential part of any survival kit. A normal person should consume about 2 quarts of water per day but in a stressful situation or when temperatures are extreme they will need more. So when planning for water you plan on a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day. That is two quarts for drinking and two quarts for food preparation and sanitation.
Food is an essential part of getting by and stressful environments will eat up the calories that a normal person ingests. Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Always select food that requires no refrigeration and very little if any cooking and little or no water. If you have food that requires heating ensure that you have a can of Sterno or military heat tabs available for use. Items that should be packed include:
Ready to eat canned meat, fruits and vegetables
High energy foods (trail mixes and granola bars)
Vitamins
Baby foods and formulas if you have small children
Comfort foods to help relieve the stress
Canned juices
Spices or sauces that make your food more palatable
In times of danger even small scrapes and bruises can cause serious problems. Making sure you have an adequate supply of basic items will insure the health of your family.
A large assortment of adhesive bandages of various sizes
Several large sterile gauze dressings
Triangular bandages
Large assortment of sterile gauze pads
Antibacterial waterless hand wash
Adhesive tape
Several cold packs
Several hot packs
Scissors
Tweezers
Non prescription pain and fever relievers
Antibacterial ointment
Anti diarrhea medication
First Aid Book (a Boy Scout manual is extremely useful here)
Tools and Supplies vary on your region but should include the following:
A military surplus mess kit for each person or a large assortment of paper cups plates and utensils
Battery operated radio and extra batteries
At least one flashlight per person and extra batteries
Cash or traveler’s checks and change (many stores may be open but may not be able to make change.
Can opener
Utility Knife
Paper and Pencil or pens
Needles and thread
Waterproof matches
Shut off wrenches for household gas and water
An emergency whistle for each member of the family
Toilet paper
Soap
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic bags and ties for personal sanitation
Chlorine bleach
Footwear and at least one complete change of clothing per person
Bedding for each person (blankets or sleeping bags)
Gloves
Special needs items
Prescription medicines
Insulin
Denture needs
Contact lens supplies
Extra glasses
Baby food
Formula
Diapers
You will also want plan for some type of entertainment during this time. Games and books that everyone can enjoy will help pass time if you are in a shelter. Also remember to keep any important family documents in portable waterproof containers. Items such as wills, insurance policies, deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, bank account numbers and credit card information should all be readily available and protected from the weather. Store these items in a convenient place that everyone knows about and can get to quickly.
Make sure that you keep all the items in airtight, waterproof plastic bags. Change stored water every six months and replace any stored food items every six months. Review your plan and your supplies list at least once a year. Replace your batteries and update the clothes at least once a year also. Also ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
Being prepared is easy when you do it in advance. Take a few minutes and make planning for a hurricane a family event. You will be surprised how much fun you can have getting ready for a disaster and then once ready how easy you and your family will come through tough times.
