Assemble this now. Put aside in a special box. Keep heat-sensitive items inside home and rotate stock throughout season:
Flashlights and extra bulbs Clock (wind-up or battery-operated) Extra batteries (can be stored in refrigerator) Matches (camping stores have waterproof matches) Working fire extinguisher Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy swamp boots Fully charged battery-operated lanterns. Don’t use candles and kerosene lanterns. They are fire hazards. Copy of insurance policy FOOD SUPPLIES
Get enough nonperishable foods now to last two weeks. Then put them in a box and leave them alone. Note: Canned and other prepared foods that are salty or dry or high in fat or protein might make for good provisions, but they’ll also make you thirsty.
Water: Enough for 1 gallon of drinking water per person/per day, for one-week minimum. Water for two weeks is ideal. (Also, figure another 1 gallon per person/per day of water for washing hands, flushing toilets and for pets.) Shelf-stable milk and juice boxes Beverages (powdered or canned, fruit juices, instant coffee, tea) Raw vegetables that don’t need refrigeration (will last only a few days) Canned vegetables and fruits Prepared foods (canned soups, beef, spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, packaged pudding) Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, unsalted nuts) Snack spreads (peanut butter,cheese spreads, jelly) Hand tools: hammer, screwdrivers to use now, shovel and pickax for after the storm Quarter-inch machine screw sockets and screws Plastic sheeting to cover furniture Duct tape to waterproof items; masking tape isn’t strong enough Sturdy nails FIRST-AID KIT
Drugstores will be mobbed just before a storm and closed for days after. Keep a two-week supply of prescription drugs. Your first-aid kit should include:
Citronella candles, insect bite lotion Petroleum jelly, for relieving itching Ointments for burns, cuts Extra over-the-counter medicine (for colds, allergies, cough) Aspirin, acetaminophen, antacid Hypoallergenic adhesive tape Latex gloves KITCHEN SUPPLIES
Water purification tablets Camp stove or other cooking device and plentyof fuel. (Use only canned fuel indoors — never charcoal or gas. Buy extragas or charcoal to use in well-ventilated space after storm has passed.) Disposable pans for cooking Plastic bags, jugs or containers for water and ice BABY NEEDS
Extra formula, baby food EMERGENCY TOILET
Garbage can with tight lid 