Hurricane supply kit: What to include

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — All eyes are on the tropical system in the Caribbean that’s expected to head toward the Gulf and approach Florida next week as a hurricane. A lot of question marks still remain concerning where the system will actually go and our WFLA meteorologists say now is not a time to panic, just to prepare.

“The bottom line is just making sure you’re prepared now,” WFLA Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli said. “Take stuff off your list, just start going through your list. You have to go through the hurricane safety kit, you have to talk to your family about the potential for whatever you want to decide to do, you want to gas up the car.

Just check stuff off the list, it’ll make you feel a lot better so then at the last minute if we do have to take some big actions, you’re ready, you’re confident and you’re not worried and not stressed and not rushed. ” Over the weekend, you will want to make sure your hurricane supply kit is up to date and has everything you’ll need if the system does end up coming your way. You’re going to need supplies, not just to get through the storm, but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath.

Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights.

Many of us have cell phones, and they all run on batteries, so you’re going to need a portable, crank or solar-powered USB charger. You’ll need to plan for two situations: Remaining in your home after a disaster or evacuating to a safer location. Have a three-day supply of food and water on hand — plan for one gallon of water per person per day and food that won’t spoil.

Keep a manual can opener and emergency tools including a fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of batteries. Be sure to gather the following items to ensure your family’s basic comfort and well-being in case of evacuation. Remember to replace stored food and water every six months, keep a fresh supply of batteries on hand and keep your most important up-to-date family papers in a fire and waterproof container.

Stocking an emergency water supply should be one of your top priorities so you will have enough water on hand for yourself and your family. While individual needs will vary depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate, a normally active person needs at least two quarts of drinking water daily. Children, nursing mothers and people who are ill need more water.

Very hot temperatures can also double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes, and possibly for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. You DO NOT need to purchase bottled water for this, you can fill containers with water from your faucet and store them.

When storing water, use thoroughly-washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined containers. Don’t use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances.

Camping supply stores offer a variety of appropriate containers. Plastic containers, like soda bottles, are best. Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place.

It is important to change stored water every six months. Get a kit of pet emergency supplies. Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water.

Consider two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away.

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