| Use this simple, yet comprehensive list to understand what it might take to sustain you and your family for at least 3 days (72 hours) after a hurricane or any major disaster. We have included the essentials for survival, not convenience and luxury. Our advice is to get the items that will get you through the storm and 72 hours beyond.
SUPPLIES:
- Water: The most important item! 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person, per day - or enough for 3 days
- Ice - when a HURRICANE WATCH is issued.
- Canned and powdered milk
- Canned foods- canned soups etc.
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Dried fruits
- Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, nuts)
- Snack spreads (peanut butter, cheese spreads, jelly)
- Cereals
- Raw vegetables
- Sugar, salt, pepper
- Bread
- Tools necessary for repairs needed to prevent more damage (hammer, axe, shovel, screwdrivers, etc.)
- Rope
- Sturdy working gloves
- Duct tape to put on windows.
- Plastic Canvas tarps- you know, the blue tarps we've all seen after a storm
- Flashlights and extra bulbs
- Battery or hand crank operated radio (preferably a NOAA Weather Radio)
- Extra batteries for anything that needs them!!!!!!!!!!!
- Matches & candles- in case flashlights ever fail
- Clock or watch.
- Plastic garbage bags
- Working fire extinguishers
- Scissors
- Toilet paper
- Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots that can be thrown away later if ruined
- Map of the area- road name signs may be gone & areas may become unrecognizable
- Handy list of important phone numbers
- Copy of insurance policy
- Manual can opener
- Bottle opener
- Zip-lock type bags for misc. storage
- Pocket knife - preferably Swiss Army-style
- Camping stove or other cooking device & plenty of fuel. Use canned fuel (Streno), not charcoal or gas
- Ice chests or coolers
- Paper plates, napkins
- Plastic cups, knives, forks, spoons
- Medic Alert tags
- Insect repellent sprays and candles
- Feminine hygiene items
- Insect bite lotion
- Sunscreen
- Soap
- First-aid kit
- First-aid handbook
- Extra medicines in case the pharmacy is out of commision (for colds, allergies, birth control pills)
- Children's medicines
- Pain reliever not aspirin (in case of hemorrhagic dengue spread after hurricane)
- Diarrhea medication
- Bandages and tape
- Cotton-tipped swabs
- Antiseptic solution
- Sterile rolls, bandages
- Tweezers
- Needles
- Disinfectant
- Plastic bags, jugs or containers to store water and ice.
- Water purification tablets (available at pharmacies and camping stores), follow directions exactly
- Disposable diapers
- Wipes (useful when there is little water available)
- Diaper-rash ointment, petroleum jelly
- Extra formula, baby food
- Small can or garbage can with tight lid
- Plastic bags for liners
- Disinfectant or bleach
- Deodorizer (Lysol)
- Outdoor mosquito spray
- Cash (the ATM's may be down for a long time)
- Cell phone (the phone service may be down for weeks)
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