Hurricane preparedness: What you need to have in your emergency disaster kit

According to the American Red Cross, the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone should prepare a disaster kit that contains the items listed below.

Basic supplies

• Flashlight, radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible), extra batteries
• Cell phone and charger
• Can opener, Swiss Army Knife or multi-purpose tool
• Disposable plates, cups, cooking and eating utensils
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• First aid kit and medications
• Matches or lighters
• Duct tape
• Household liquid bleach
• Copies of important documents, emergency contact numbers and a map 
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Extra sets of clothes
• Extra cash

Drinks

You should have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for both drinking and sanitation. If you would like to bring juice or milk, make sure it is canned or boxed.

You should not pack carbonated, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as these can dehydrate the body and cause you to need more water.

Keep in mind that children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water, and plan to pack more if you live in a warm weather climate. Water needs can double in hot temperatures.

Food

Nonperishable food items are a must. You should store at least three days worth of ready-to-eat items that won't go bad.

Some suggested foods are canned meats, fruits and vegetables, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter, and comfort foods-- these can lift the mood and help your family during a time of stress

Additional considerations

If you are caring for babies, children or elderly individuals there are a few more things you should consider putting in your disaster kit.

Those items include baby supplies like bottles, formula, baby food, diapers and extra blankets. Games, activities and familiar items from home are suggested for kids, and medical supplies such as hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes and medications.

If you have pets, make sure that you have at least one gallon of water per day for them for at least three days. You should also pack three days worth of dry or canned food, an extra leash, vaccination records and ID tags.


Maintaining your kit

Food should be kept in a cool, dry place in tightly closed plastic containers. Make sure that any cooking or eating utensils remain clean.

Throw away any food that has come into contact with contaminated flood water or any perishable food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more.

Keep your kit up-to-date, by rethinking your family's needs annually and making sure to replace items as they expire.

You never know when a disaster might strike, so it is suggested that you keep your disaster kit in your home, at your job and in your car.