Hurricane Preparation: Storm season supply guide

Hurricane season is upon us. In a severe storm, emergency services will have to evacuate the area for the protection of personnel and emergency equipment and may not be available to respond to calls for service.

Review the following hurricane preparation checklist for essential and emergency supplies. Remember: Don’t be scared, be prepared!

Essential Supplies

Have a hurricane kit. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• 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

Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs. The following information was supplied by ready.gov:

• 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 and 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 a 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

For more information, visit iop.net/emergency-preparedness/hurricane-preparation.

Provided by the City of Isle of Palms