Hurricane Season is just around the corner starting June 1
st through November. As hurricanes threaten the coastal areas, tornados have been tearing through the middle of the United States taking many innocent lives recently.
These natural disasters can catch many unprepared. With some simple planning, families can stay prepared for the next hurricane or tornado by creating a disaster supply kit. These basic supplies should be on hand for when disaster strikes.
I suggest getting a sturdy box to hold the supplies and store up high in a location that is easy to get if a disaster struck. The supplies are as follows:
- Three day supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener. (this should be replaced every six months)
- Thee day supply of water (one gallon per person per day that is also replaced every six months.
- Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Sanitation and hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toilet paper and toothpaste
- Matches in a waterproof container or a lighter
- Whistle for signaling help
- Extra clothing and blankets (don't forget to change out as kids grow)
- Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
- Photocopies of identification and credit cards so that you can get to necessary information fast
- Cash and coins
- Special needs items such as medicines, glasses, contact solution and hearing aid batteries
- Items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers and a favorite blanket or toy
- Little tool kit, pet supplies if you have pets, map of the area
- Shoes, clothing such as clean underwear, etc as well as sleeping bags for your family.
These items should be able to get to fast and will be used. When my house was damaged by a tornado as a child, I can't tell you how valuable these items would have been if we would have planned ahead. Toothpaste alone was dearly missed and when stores are not open because of damage, having some extra food is necessary.
Take the time now before the emergency hits to be prepared. You can never start to soon.
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