How to Make a Hurricane Disaster Kit

We often see the effects of natural disasters on the television or hear about them on the radio. The common thread among many people affected is that the disaster was unexpected, and they were unprepared. You can change that. By getting together a basics disaster preparedness kit, you can help prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. Anyone living in an area vulnerable to hurricanes should plan ahead and stockpile basic supplies.

EditSteps

EditPacking a Travel Kit

1. Start with a waterproof container. First, you'll need a waterproof utility bag or backpack to hold your disaster supplies. This should be big enough to hold all your essentials, but convenient enough that you can grab it and go in a moment.
   
2. Pack enough water for three days. You'll need at least one gallon (3.8 liters) per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Stock up on three gallons (11.4 liters) per person so you're set for three days.
   
3. Select dry, non-perishable food. This food could sit in your disaster kit for months. Pack long-lasting, calorie-dense foods such as protein bars and canned meals. Make sure all foods are completely sealed, to avoid attracting pests.
   
   • If you decide to pack canned foods, do not forget to pack a manual can opener.
   • Also pack paper plates, cups, and eating utensils.
4. Pack two outfits per person. Pack one warm-weather and one cold-weather outfit. Having a dry change of clothes could save you from hypothermia during extreme weather conditions.
   
5. Include a first aid kit. Many people are not able to reach a doctor for several days after a natural disaster. At minimum, include disinfectant and medical bandages to clean and dress injuries. Adding additional tools is even better.
   
   • If anyone in your household needs medication, pack extra in here. If he only has a limited prescription, he should keep it on his person or somewhere he can retrieve it quickly.
6. Pack flashlights and other light sources. Include multiple flashlights and/or lamps, several dozen batteries, and a few glow sticks in case the batteries get wet. A couple lighters will also come in handy to light fires. Double bag each of these items in waterproof zip-locked bags, since they're vulnerable to water.
   
   • LED lamps last longer than most other types of battery-powered light.
7. Add an extra mobile phone. Include backup batteries as well, plus a battery-powered charger. Once again, double bag these items.
   
8. Stash copies of important documents. Make copies of flood and homeowner's insurance, if you have them. Also copy your identification cards, birth certificates, and other documents you might need to prove your identity to a bank or government institution. Bag them and keep them deep in the container to ensure they stay dry.
   
   • Include an address book as well with local phone numbers.
9. Locate your bag near the exit. It should be easy to retrieve the kit at a moment's notice. Let everyone in the house know where it is.
   

EditStocking Your Home for a Hurricane

1. Stash at least a week's worth of water. During hurricane season, your house should have at least one or two weeks' worth of bottled water. Each member of your household needs one gallon (3.8 liters) per day. This means your kit should have 7–14 gallons (26–53 liters) per person.
   
   • Don't forget to include extra if you have pets.
2. Store non-perishable food items. Keep your pantry well-stocked, and include extra supplies just for disasters. Choose nutritious, non-perishable items such as canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, unsalted nuts, and peanut butter.
   
   • Minimize salty foods, which will make you thirstier.
3. Pack another first aid kit. If you already have one in your travel kit, you may not need another. Still, an extra supply of disinfectants and bandages is never a bad idea.
   
4. Prepare backup communications. With power lines down and a storm raging, communications could be limited. A solar-powered or battery-powered radio can be a good way to pick up emergency information.
   
   • Depending on where your travel kit is located, you may want another cheap mobile phone, flashlights, and lighters.
5. Pack miscellaneous comforts. A few blankets in a waterproof bag could be vital after a hurricane. Baby wipes are a small comfort you may appreciate if you cannot take a bath or shower. Bug repellent and sunscreen are also useful.
   
6. Check your tool supplies. Once the worst of the storm passes, you'll want to start repairs and cleanup. The following will help you out:
   
   • Cleaning supplies such as mops, liquid bleach, bucket, push broom, utility knife, hammer, and pry bar for tearing out wet sheet rock.
   • Heavy-duty work gloves, leaf rake, garden rake, and bow saw to clear debris from yard.
   • Equipment for temporary roof repair: plastic tarps, hammer, and roofing nails.
7. Know how to respond to a hurricane. The best course of action is to listen to emergency broadcasts in your area. However, knowing some general information in advance can help you decide where to place your preparedness kit:
   
   • The hurricane may blow objects through your windows. Move garden furniture and similar objects before the hurricane arrives.
   • The safest place in your house is usually a basement room, or a room in the center of the house. If you can get under a staircase, it may protect you from falling beams.
   • Lean mattresses and large cushions against doors and windows for protection.

EditTips

• Local TV stations usually transmit the audio of their news on FM stations in the days after a major storm.
• You shouldn't need to use garbage bags to bag storm debris. Just pile it beside the street for pick up by the city.

EditWarnings

• If power is lost, it may not be restored for days or even weeks. Plan accordingly.
• Don't use the city water for drinking or cooking until the water company declares it safe.
• For large cleanup jobs, hire someone you trust with a chain saw. The emergency rooms fill up with chainsaw accidents after hurricanes and tropical storms.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Build Your Own Emergency Disaster Kit
• Pack an Emergency Kit for the House
• Be Prepared for Natural Disasters
• Be Safe During a Hurricane

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