Are you prepared for the next hurricane? One of the best ways is to plan ahead and have the proper supplies on hand this hurricane season, which lasts through November. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency kit to stay prepared either at home or to take with you if evacuation is warranted.
Stock up on basic supplies as an important step to keep your family safe and healthy during an emergency. FEMA recommends that you include at a minimum the following supplies:
Water and Food
- Water: one gallon of water per person each day with a 3-day water supply for evacuation and a two-week water supply if you stay at home.
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare meals (3-day supply of food for evacuation and 2-week supply for home). You should have basic supplies like a manual can opener and utensils to prepare and serve meals.
Electronics
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Cell phone with chargers
- Extra batteries
Medications
- Medications: Seven-day supply.
- Medical Supplies: e.g. syringes, a walking cane or hearing aids with extra batteries.
Safety Supplies
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Blanket
- Tools (for multipurpose use such as a swiss army knife)
- Whistle
Personal Supplies
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Baby wipes
- Contact lenses and solution and glasses
Documents
- Insurance cards
- Immunization records
- Medication list and pertinent medical information
- Proof of address
- Deed or lease to home
- Birth certificates
- Family and emergency contact information
Other Supplies
- Extra cash: ATMs may be inoperable so you need to plan ahead.
- Maps of the area
- Extra set of car and house keys
- Extra fuel for generator and car
Depending on your family’s needs you may want to consider other supplies for babies and children and for your pet’s needs.
For Children
- Baby supplies including bottles, formula, baby food, and diapers
- Games and activities for children
For Pets
- Food and water: 3-day supply if evacuating and 14-day supply if staying at home for each pet. A cat or dog will need about 1 gallon of water every 3 days.
- Litter box and cleaning supplies: Paper towels, trash bags, and household bleach.
- Medicine and medical records
- Sturdy leash, harness, and carrier: The carrier should be large enough so your pet can lay down comfortably for several hours.
Make sure to have your emergency supply kit ready to use with functional items at the time of an emergency. Keep items fresh and check any expiration dates on food, water, medicine, and batteries. Make sure your kit is easily accessible since you may need to use it quickly during a disaster. Clearly label all containers you store your emergency supplies in and remember to use waterproof containers for certain items like medications and paper documents.
MedTrust Transport provides emergent and non-emergent ambulance services in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Georgetown, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. We have trained EMT personnel and a fleet of fully-equipped ambulances. We aim to provide passionate and timely patient care.