Before the Storm Checklist

• Advocate staff report
• Published: May 31, 2009

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The most important thing to do when preparing for a hurricane is to be prepared by using the guidelines in this checklist.

By starting early, people can avoid the rush at stores that are typically crowded and often chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued.

Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container, such as a large trash container, a camping backpack or a duffel bag.

Water

• Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
• Store 1 gallon of water per person per day.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

 

 

Food

• Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno.
• Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
• Include ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables.

Include the following:

• Canned juices
• Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
• High-energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

First aid kid

• 20 adhesive bandages, various sizes
• 5-by-9-inch sterile dressing
• Roll of gauze bandage
• Triangular bandages.
• 3-by-3-inch sterile gauze pads
• 4-by-4-inch sterile gauze pads
• 3-inch cohesive bandage
• Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Antiseptic wipes
• Large, medical-grade non-latex gloves
• Adhesive tape, 2-inch width
• Anti-bacterial ointment
• Cold pack
• Scissors (small, personal)
• Tweezers
• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the American Association of Poison Control Centers)