Have a 3-7 day supply of each item for every person in your home.
Water
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- 1 gallon of water per person per day (additional water for bathing, etc.)
- Store water in clean plastic containers
Food
- Purchase foods that require no refrigeration and little preparation, such as:
- Ready-to-eat canned food
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
- Snacks: cookies, cereals, etc.
- Soft drinks, instant coffee, tea
- Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply)
For Baby
- Formula, bottles, powdered milk, jarred baby foods
- Diapers, moist towelettes and special medications
Pets
- Newspapers or cat litter
- Moist canned foods (to preserve water)
- Plastic sheets to cover floor of pet's room
Medicine
- First aid kit
- Rubbing alcohol
- Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid
- Extra prescription medication (especially for heart problems and diabetes)
- Ask your physician how to store prescription medication
- Personal Items
- Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo
- Personal and feminine hygiene products
- Denture needs, contact lenses and an extra pair of eyeglasses
- Sun protection, insect repellent
Other supplies
- Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener, extra batteries
- Charcoal, waterproof matches, extra propane gas for grills (Use grills outside only!)
- ABC-rated fire extinguisher in a small canister
- Portable cooler
- Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags
- Wind-up or battery-operated clock
- Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails for temporary roof repairs
- Cleaning supplies such as chlorine bleach
- Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups
- Can of spray paint (can be used to identify your home by insurance adjusters in case it's damaged)
- At least one change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves
- Pillows and blankets or sleeping bags
Download/print: The Weather Authority's hurricane supply checklist.
For more information on hurricane supply kids, visit: American Red Cross | Ready America