Hurricane Arthur has put a damper on plans for the July 4th holiday. Arthur has strengthened to a hurricane and threatens the state’s popular flood-prone Outer Banks, Hatteras island is under a mandatory evacuation order for visitors and residents. Visitors already in the area are asked to leave during the daylight hours, before the storm brings high winds, rough seas, dangerous rip currents and possible flooding on North Carolina 12. The National Hurricane Center predicts Arthur would touch the North Carolina coast early Friday with winds of up to 85 mph.
Suggested items for Hurricane Kit.
•Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 7 to 10 days. Katrina and Wilma should have emphasized the importance of having sufficient water on hand. Don’t forget some for your pets.
•Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods (Peanut butter; mixed PBJ; breakfast bars; crackers; canned fruit; raisins; chips;
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils / paper cups
— trash bags and duct tape – useful for clean-up, or patching leaks in an emergency
•An ax to use if you stay and need to escape from your house – or other uses
•Blankets / Pillows, etc.
•Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
•First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
•Special Items – for babies and the elderly
•Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
•Bug spray, Cortisone for bug bites
•Sunscreen & Lotion
•Tarp to cover holes if needed.
•Bleach
•Water purification tablets
•Waterless soap saves water for drinking
•Flashlight / Batteries
•Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
•Battery operated television, with extra batteries.
•Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Make sure you have small bills because it will often be difficult to get change, I you only have a $100 and water is $10 for a case and you are limited to one case, you do not want to have the choice of paying $100 or having no water.
•Keys to house, cars, boats etc
•Toys, Books and Games
•Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Don’t forget your re-entry documents (e.g. stickers or passes). Many barrier islands require some documentation in order to return. Keep important phone number here. You may know them, but a loved one may not.
•Tools – keep a set with you during the storm. A pocket knife, nails, a hammer and rope are important elements. Towels and buckets are useful too if you develop a leak.
•Vehicle fuel tanks filled
•Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash
