Now is the time to make preparations for hurricane season. Every family that fails to take even the most basic preparedness actions, such as having sufficient water and non-perishable food to support the family for at least 72 hours, is a family that may pull responders and critical resources away from those most needing emergency assistance. We have a list of the things your home emergency kit should include:
- A three-day supply of food, including pet food that does not need to be refrigerated
- A three-day supply of water – one gallon per person per day
- A battery powered TV or radio with extra batteries
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer or wipes and other hygiene items
- Matches and waterproof container
- Extra clothing
- Kitchen items and cooking utensils including a non-electric can opener and trash bags
- Copies of credit and identification cards, medical and veterinary records
- Cash
- Special need items for family and pets such as medications, eye glasses, hearing aid and batteries.
In addition to the emergency kit everyone should have an emergency plan. An emergency plan is more than knowing how to get out of an area. It also is about how to stay, in the safest way possible, if told to shelter in place. Part of the emergency plan includes a gathering place and an alternate way to make contact afterward when there is a need to evacuate.
For more information on emergency preparedness visit the City of Raleigh’s Disaster-Preparedness page or the Ready Wake, or the State of North Carolina Emergency Management website.
