How To Build A Hurricane Kit As Idalia Heads Toward Florida
The American Red Cross lists two kinds of storm kits: a “Go-Kit,” which has supplies for three days that you can take with you, and a “Stay-at-Home Kit,” which has supplies for two weeks that you can keep at home. Let’s look at what’s different and what to add to each one. As the storm will likely impact Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas, you may find this hurricane kit list as a great reminder or as a great place to start for your family.
Do you and your family have enough food, water, and supplies to last for several days in case a storm or other weather system knocks out the power in your neighborhood?
Before Idalia hits the west coast of Florida, we want to make sure you know what to put in your storm kit.
The American Red Cross lists two kinds of storm kits: a “Go-Kit” and a “Stay-at-Home Kit.”
A Go-Kit is used if you have to leave your home because of a storm or damage that makes it unsafe to live in.
With a Stay-at-Home Kit, you’ll have everything you need in case the power goes out, the streets flood, or shops, banks, and hospitals close.
Go-Kit Essentials:
- Three days worth of supplies that you can carry with you
- One gallon of water per person, per day for three days
- Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items (three-day supply)
- Manual can opener
- Disposable plates and utensils
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Pet food and supplies
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- First aid kit
- Medications (seven-day supply in a child-proof container) and other medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Copies of personal documents in a waterproof container (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Family and emergency contact information
- Cash
- Backup batteries and charges for your devices (cellphone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
- Emergency blanket
- Maps of the area
- Extra set of house keys and car keys
- Games and activities for kids
Stay-At-Home Kit Essentials:
- Two weeks’ worth of supplies
- One gallon of water per person, per day for two weeks
- Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items (two-week supply)
- Manual can opener
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Disposable plates and utensils
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Pet food and supplies
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- First aid kit
- Medications (one-month supply in a child-proof container) and other medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
- Copies of personal documents in a waterproof container (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cash
Here’s some good perspective for your own hurricane kit:
