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It's not too late to stock up on supplies
We may have reached the end of the selected hurricane names, but there's still over a month left in the season.
By JUDY STARK
Published October 21, 2005
Hurricane season is winding down, but not the hurricanes. Wilma potentially has Tampa Bay in its sights, so if you haven't stocked up on supplies, do so now.
Emergency planners say you should have enough on hand to survive for at least 72 hours after a hurricane hits.
Here are some basic items you'll need if you decide to ride out the storm at home:
Food and drink:
Drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day.
Nonperishable food supplies - at least enough to see you through the first few days. The ideal: two weeks' worth.
Comfort foods to relieve stress (cookies, pastries).
Toilet paper, paper towels, plates and napkins, plastic tableware and drinking cups, wet wipes, plastic wrap, trash bags.
Two coolers: one for food, one for ice.
Manual can opener.
Health and safety:
A flashlight and batteries for each family member.
First-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses, pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid.
Medications for routine illnesses such as colds.
Liquid soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrushing pads.
Water purification kit (tablets, chlorine: plain and iodine).
Two-week supply of vitamins, over-the-counter medications and prescription medicines.
Fire extinguisher.
Infant necessities: medicine, diapers, formula, bottles, wipes.
Miscellaneous:
Clean-up supplies: mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant
Still camera or camcorder and videotape to record property now and document damage for insurance claims.
Extra batteries.
Plastic trash bags.
Here are things you'll need if you evacuate:
Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses.
Folding chairs or cots.
Extra clothing and shoes.
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, washcloth, deodorant, etc.
Food and water.
Earplugs. Shelters can be noisy, and someone sleeping near you may snore.
Prescription medications in their original containers. Shelters are not hospitals and do not have access to drugs or medicine. Bring what you need.
Books, handheld games, cards, toys, needlework.
Cash. If the power goes out, ATMs will not work and credit card networks will be down.
Ice.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Some extra supplies you might not think of:
- Extra eyeglasses.
- Sunglasses.
- Hearing-aid batteries.
- Insect spray or wipes.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat or cap to wear in the sun.
- Appropriate clothes for after the storm passes: closed-toe shoes, several changes of dry socks, rain gear. It may be sunny and hot; it may rain.
- Spray paint for painting your insurance carrier's name on your house so roving adjusters know who you are and for painting your address - street signs may be blown down.
- Flat fixer for tires (streets may be full of glass, nails, sharp rubble).
- Work gloves (to pick up broken glass).
- Laundry detergent (you may be washing clothes in a bucket until the power is back on).
- Bleach, for demolding; rags and sponges.
- Pet food.
- Powerful flashlight, air horn, whistle or laser pointer so you can attract attention/get help in the dark.
- Rolls of quarters or phone cards for pay phones. Cell phones may not work. If you are forced to evacuate, pay phones may be your only alternative, as New Orleans residents found after Hurricane Katrina.
[Last modified October 20, 2005, 10:29:05]
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