Buy supplies early to prepare for the storm. When the storm threatens, lines will be long and supplies short.
FOOD SUPPLIES Get enough nonperishable foods now for two weeks. Then put them in a box and leave them alone Don't buy foods that are salty or dry or high in fat or protein; they'll make you thirsty.
HURRICANE KIT Assemble this now. Put aside in a special box in garage. Keep heat-sensitive items inside home and rotate stock throughout season. Batteries can go in refrigerator. Flashlights and extra bulbs Battery-operated TV or Radio Fully charged battery-operated lanterns. Don't get candles and kerosene lanterns. They are fire hazards. Extra batteries Matches Clock (wind-up or battery- operated) Plastic garbage bags Working fire extinguishers Scissors Toilet paper Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy swamp boots you won't mind throwing away later An inexpensive rabbit-ears television antenna to use when cable goes out Map of the area List of phone numbers Copy of insurance policy
KITCHEN SUPPLIES Manual can opener Bottle opener Matches in a plastic bag Pocket knife - preferably Swiss Army-style Camp stove or other cooking device and plenty of fuel. Use canned fuel, not charcoal or gas Ice chests or coolers Paper plates, napkins Plastic cups, knives, forks, spoons
MEDICAL NEEDS Drugstores will be mobbed just before a storm and closed for days after. Keep a 2-week supply of prescription drugs. Medic Alert tags Insect repellent sprays and candles Feminine hygiene items Insect bite lotion Sunscreen Soap First-aid kit First-aid handbook Extra over-the-counter medicine (for colds, allergies) Children's medicines Aspirin Diarrhea medication Bandages Adhesive 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 Plastic to line bathtub.
