You might like to print out this list as a guide when you’re shopping for storm supplies. The items on this list are pretty basic, and don’t necessarily include everything your family will need to ride out a severe storm. Be prepared, and assume you’ll lose all power, lights, heat, telephone, and water service for at least a week. Don’t panic – buy and plan accordingly.
General Items:
Flashlights (one for every member of the family and one or two spares) Extra batteries Electric lantern for area lighting (fluorescent lights will last the longest on a single set of batteries) Sterno and a small grill or cook stove Fire extinguisher(s) Extra medications (prescription and non-prescription) Tarps or large, heavy-gage plastic sheets (to protect the inside of your home from water damage from the windows or the roof) Garbage bags – lots of them! Plenty of disposable diapers, wipes, and infant supplies (if appropriate) Mosquito repellent Battery-powered radio(s) Candles Wooden kitchen matches or spare lighters (store in plastic container) Duct tape Address book with key phone numbers Toilet tissue, paper towels, and paper plates (in plastic bags) Bleach for cleaning and purifying water (eight drops per gallon) Plenty of bottled water (1-3 gallons per person per day, enough to last at least a week) At least one change of clothes for every person in the household (stored in sealed plastic trash bags) Full tank of gas for every vehicle Enough cash to last a week Put valuable papers, insurance policies, and birth certificates in a secure area in a waterproof container. If worse comes to worse, you’ll need these documents to help in the rebuilding process.
First-Aid Kit
Sterile adhesive bandages, gauze, pads, rolls, and first-aid book Scissors Hydrogen peroxide Aspirin and antacid tablets Snake-bite kit (especially if snakes are common in your area) Tweezers Antiseptic spray and ointments Latex gloves Thermometer
Non-Perishable Food items
Powdered or evaporated milk Powdered drink mixes and soda Canned foods including fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, soups, puddings, and snacks Instant coffee, tea, and powdered cream Rice and noodles
Notes
Don’t stock up on any food item which must be frozen or refrigerated in order to stay fresh. Assume you’ll lose all refrigeration for at least a week. In the hours just before the storm hits, turn your refrigerator and/or freezer to the highest setting and fill any empty space with plastic bottles of water 3/4 full.
