We are three weeks into hurricane season 2020 and though we started the season with record activity, it has been quite calm over the last few weeks. The fourth named storm, Dolly, was fortunately very weak. But we shouldn’t be lulled into complacency over this brief respite of tropical storm activity, remember September is when hurricane season reaches its peak.
It is more crucial than ever that hurricane preparedness continues to be the focus, particularly with the Corona pandemic still looming over our heads. Preparing the house and getting documents and insurance in order should be at the forefront of any Coastal dwellers mind right now, but don’t forget to build your emergency kit. Don’t get caught up in trying to buy all of your supplies, as we’re staring down the barrel of the cone, prepare early. Here is what to pack in an emergency kit and additional steps to take ahead of a hurricane, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (FEMA)
Emergency kits should combine basic staples (food, water) with supplies reflecting your family’s individual needs, like medications or baby formula.
Water: First and foremost, store at least three gallons of water per person – enough to last each three days. If your think you’ll be cut off longer, add an extra gallon per person per day.
Cash: Banks and ATMs could shut down. Power outages render debit and credit cards useless.
Documents: Keep copies of key documents in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container. These include identification, such as passports and Social Security cards, as well as insurance policies and bank account records.
Medications: Keep a one-week supply of prescription medications, plus any over-the-counter items, like pain relievers and antacids.
Food: Lay in a three-day supply of canned food and dry mixes – nothing that needs refrigeration. Avoid thirst-inducing foods, and remember the dietary needs of those around you, including infants (ready-to-feed formula) and pets. Secure a manual can opener.
Sanitation: Think moist towelettes, garbage bags and diapers. Consider paper goods, such as plates and cups , as well as plastic utensils. The Corona pandemic has also caused the recommendation of adding masks and hand sanitizer to the list.
Backup phone chargers: Portable power banks could prove essential in a power outage. Here is a list of emergency apps to consider adding to your smart phone pre-storm. There are also tips on how to prepare your smart phone and other electronic devices before disasters.
Additional items: Flashlights with spare batteries, blankets, first aid kit and NOAA radios are all recommended.
FEMA offers a printable checklist for all-purpose emergency kits. This can be useful to take to the store as you build your stockpile.
Don’t forget to create a “Go Bag” for each member of your family (including pets) in the event you must evacuate. Pack an easily portable bag containing clothes for several days, as well as water, snacks and some of the items from your emergency kit.
Sources: Josh Hafner, USA TODAY, Hurricane Irma: How to prepare an emergency kit. Web blog post. & Matthew Cappucci, The Washington Post, Saharan dust is suppressing hurricane activity over the Atlantic., Web news post.
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