The National Hurricane Center advises packing enough food to last three to seven says in your emergency kit. Food should be non-perishable like canned goods and juices. Breads and items that need to be refrigerated will spoil if you lose electricity after a hurricane. If you have an infant or elderly person in your home, make sure you have non-perishable food supplies for them. Snack foods such as cookies, crackers and chips are wise to pack in the emergency kit. Pack fiber bars to help keep you full longer. Along with food, remember to include a non-electric can-opener. Pack paper plates and plastic utensils that are disposable in case you do not have access to fresh water. Remember to pack water bottles in your emergency kit to stay hydrated. The National Hurricane Center suggests that your water supply should be at least one gallon a day per person.
In any emergency, including hurricane evacuations, you should have important documents in a safe place. Home fires and floods may also cause damage to sensitive documents. In your emergency kit, keep personal documents in a waterproof plastic container or watertight plastic bag. Test the bag ahead of time to ensure your documents will not get wet from rain or floods. Gather your important personal or family documents like insurance cards, social security cards and medical records. Include copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, tax records and back account numbers. If you have a family pet, bring its identification documents as well. Don't risk losing your pet with no identification or not having the right documents of its immunization.
A first-aid kit is an essential part of a hurricane emergency kit. Flying debris, car accidents and floods are results of hurricanes that may cause injuries. The first-aid kit should contain enough supplies to cater to the needs of those with minor injuries until medical professionals arrive. CBSNews.com article, "Get Your Emergency Kit Ready," states that a first-aid kit should include moist towelettes, a breathing mask, band aids and a battery powered flashlight. Be sure your kit has prescription medications, gauze, rubbing alcohol, an emergency blanket and medical gloves.
Extra clothing is necessary when a hurricane emergency occurs. CBSNews.com suggests packing three days of extra clothing for each person in your family. Also, pack protective clothing items such as raincoats and rain boots. Hurricanes produce excess amounts of rain and if flooding occurs, you will need clothing that will keep you dry. Pack warm clothing for babies and children. Include sheets, pillows, blankets and sleeping bags in your emergency kit in case you have to spend several hours in your car.
