Hurricane preparedness: Emergency supply kits
Hurricane season in the Atlantic began June 1st and ends November 30th each year. While the National Hurricane Center does a yeoman’s job of keeping us informed of the creation of storms in the Atlantic, Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, giving citizens plenty of notice to prepare, which may include evacuation.
Although experts say the 2014 hurricane season is expected to have a below average number of named storms and hurricanes due to two factors: Cooler-than-average water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the likelihood of at least a moderate El Nino developing later this summer or fall, it is important to be ready. Of note, researchers from Colorado State University predict 11 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes, which is slightly below the long-term averages.
Because you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for some time during and after a hurricane, part of hurricane preparation includes maintaining an emergency supply kit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Preparedness and Response is one of many organizations that offer recommendations for assembling an emergency supply kit. Their recommendation includes the following items for use at your home, office, school and/or in a vehicle:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day
- Food—nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items
- Flashlight
- Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply), other medical supplies, and medical paperwork (e.g., medication list and pertinent medical information)
- Multipurpose tool (e.g., Swiss army knife)
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (e.g., proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Manual can opener
In addition, the federal health agency offers recommendations for special needs, children and pets.
Torindkflt at the wikipedia project
