Disaster Preparedness

• Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
• Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
• First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
• Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener
• Lighter or matches
• Books, magazines, games for recreation
• Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
• Cooler and ice packs
• A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated

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• Cover all of your windows, either with hurricane shutters or wood.
• Although tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, be warned that tape does not prevent the window from breaking.
• If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
• Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed and clear rain gutters.
• Reinforce your garage doors.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations, and anything else that is not tied down.
• If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure and brace internal doors.

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• Gas: Make sure your tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Most people wait until the last minute, rush to get extra gas for cars and generators, and subsequently gas stations can run out early.
• ATMS: Have extra cash on hand in the event no ATMS in your area are accessible or working.
• Cell Phones: Charge your cell phone and limit use after power is out.
• A/C: This can be the most uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm. Try to prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering up your windows on the inside. If you have back-up or battery operated fans, don’t run them unless you are in the room. Fans create a difference in perceived temperature but do not cool the room; instead they create a cooling effect by dispersing the heat off your skin. It is said they can actually add heat to a room just by running.
• Water: Fill bathtub and large containers with water for washing and flushing only.
• Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage. Here is a guide on freezing food: Freezing and Food Safety. Have a cooler with ice packs prepared to cool your drinks and snacks after power has been out for more than 4 hours. And importantly, check out this food safety guide for when to discard your perishable food: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/refridg_food.html
• Health/Safety: The CDC has a great guide on how to stay safe in the event of a power outage: Power Outages