Hurricane Season officially begins June 1st. This time of year the Gulf waters get really active. Should SWLA be in a path of a hurricane it helps to be prepared so you can avoid the frantic shopping that occurs when residents hit the stores to stock up on supplies!
Having gone through Hurricane Rita in 2005 what I learned from my evacuation experience is to have plastic tubs readily available. Should it become necessary to evacuate your home, you can easily pack up your pictures, scrapbooks, and other treasures into the tubs which are easy to stack in your car and take with you.
Listed below are the items suggested that you keep on hand to be ready for a hurricane:
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
I would add to this list BUG SPRAY!!
If you have pets you will need to make sure that the hotel or shelter you may be going to will allow pets.
Keep all your electronics charged up before you lose electricity, having extra chargers or cell phone batteries will be a life saver.
Hopefully we don’t have to put any of this into real evacuation mode and this summer we will avoid the wrath of any hurricane in SWLA!
