Get your hurricane disaster kit together

Anyone living in an area prone to hurricanes should have a well-rounded knowledge of what to do before, during and after such an event. This is essential and can be life-saving. According to the National Hurricane Center, here are some things that those in the path of a hurricane should have on hand:

• • Water: Have at least three days worth of water. This includes one gallon per person — and don’t forget about your pets!
  • Food: Gather a three-day supply of non-perishable food for everyone in your home. Some examples include canned food that does not need to be cooked, seeds, nuts, dried fruit, jerky, power bars. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
  • Radio: A battery powered, crank or solar radio is best. Be sure you also have access to the NOAA Radio weather station and extra batteries.
  • Cell phone: You should have extra phone batteries and a solar charger for your phone.
  • Flashlight: Keep a couple of powerful flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
  • First aid kit: Everyone should have a basic first aid kit in their hurricane preparedness box.
  • Medications: If you or anyone in your home takes a regular medication, be sure that you have at least a week of extra medication.
  • Pet supplies: Pets will need food, water and medications for at least a week. In addition, be sure that you have pet carriers, leashes and food bowls available in case you have to evacuate.
  • Gas: Fill up all of your vehicles prior to the storm and have extra gas just in case.
  • Documents: Have copies of personal documents including your insurance information, birth certificates and social security cards.
  • Footwear: Pack a pair of rainboots and sneakers for each member of your family.
  • Generator: A generator is useful if you plan to ride the storm out or even for cleaning up afterward. Be sure you have plenty of gas as well.
  • Cash: Because banking systems could go down during a storm, it is a good idea to have cash or money orders on hand.
  • Extra clothes, pillows and blankets: Have at least three changes of clothing for each person in your family along with blankets and pillows.
  • Plastic sheeting and tarps: Strong winds can make quick damage of a roof. Have tarps and plastic sheeting on hand to keep rain out of your home.
  • Whistles and flares: If you have to signal for help, whistles and flares will help draw attention to you.
  • Toolbox: Keep a toolbox with all of the essentials on hand and easily accessible.
  • Personal hygiene products: Staying clean and sanitized during a storm can be a hard thing to do if water supplies are low. Poor hygiene can spread disease so pack what you need to stay clean and fresh.