Building A Proper Hurricane Emergency Kit

The Atlantic is a hurricane hotbed, always threatening Florida’s coast with the possibility of major storms. Preparing for a storm, whether a tropical depression or category 5, should happen well before it’s hurtling toward the Sunshine State. There are four pillars to making a proper hurricane emergency kit: Basic Supplies, Additional Supplies, Storage and Maintenance.

Basic Supplies

• Water (3-day supply of 1 gal. of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation)

• Food (3-day supply of non-perishable goods)

• First aid kit

  • Red Cross Recommendation:

  • 2 – Absorbent compress dressings

  • 25 – Adhesive bandages

  • 1 – Adhesive cloth tape

  • 5 – Antibiotic ointment packets

  • 5 – Antiseptic wipe packets

  • 2 – Packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

  • 1 – Emergency blanket

  • 1 – Breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

  • 1 – Instant cold compress

  • 2 – Pair of nonlatex gloves

  • 2 – Hydrocortisone ointment packets

  • 1 – 3 in. gauze roll bandage

  • 1 – Roller bandage (4 inches wide)

  • 5 – 3×3 in. sterile gauze pads

  • 5 – 4×4 in. sterile gauze pads

  • 2 – Triangular bandages

  • Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)

  • Tweezers

• Flashlight

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio

• Cellphone chargers and a backup battery

• Extra batteries

• Dust mask

• Garbage bags

• Plastic ties

• Wrench or pliers

• Local maps

Additional Supplies

• Prescription medications

• Non-prescription medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, laxatives or antacids)

• Important family documents (insurance policies, identification and bank records)

• Cash or traveler’s checks

• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and rash cream

• Pet food and extra water

• Bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches 

• Sleeping bags or warm blankets

• Change of clothes

• Glasses and contact lens solution

• Personal hygiene items

• Mess kits

• Paper cups, paper plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

• Pencils and paper

Storage 

• Store items in easy-to-carry plastic bins or duffel bags

• Place sensitive items in airtight plastic bags

• Keep kit in a designated space at home

• Additional kits can be kept at work or vehicle

  • Vehicle kit:

  • Jumper cables

  • Flares or reflective triangle

  • Car cellphone charger

  • Blanket

  • Local maps

  • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction

Maintenance

• Replace expired items periodically

• Keep food in a cool and dry location

• Rethink kit needs and make adjustments accordingly