Don't Wait, Hydrate (and Feed!) – Building Your Hurricane Emergency Kit

May 12

Hurricane Preparedness Series: Part 2 of 4 - click here to download the week 2 checklist

Welcome back to the Damngood Inspection Hurricane Preparedness Series! Last week, we laid the essential groundwork by understanding our risks and creating family and financial plans. If you missed Week 1, be sure to check out the blog post and video [Link to Week 1 content] – it’s crucial information!

This week, we transition from planning to tangible preparation. We're diving deep into building your **Hurricane Emergency Supply Kit**. When a storm hits and the power goes out, roads are impassable, or stores are closed, having the necessary supplies on hand isn't just convenient; it's critical for your family's safety and well-being. Think of it as your personal lifeline for the days following a storm.

Why 7+ Days? The New Standard for Florida Preparedness

You might have heard recommendations for a 3-day kit in the past. However, recent major hurricanes have shown that power outages and disruptions to supply chains can last much longer. Based on lessons learned, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and other official agencies now strongly recommend having at least seven days of supplies per person (and pet!) in your household.

Imagine being without power, running water, or easy access to groceries for a full week. A well-stocked 7-day kit provides the resources to sustain your family, reduces stress during a difficult time, and allows emergency responders to focus on those with immediate, life-threatening needs.

Deconstructing the Kit: Essentials for Survival and Comfort

Building a kit doesn't have to be overwhelming. Let's break it down into key categories based on recommendations from FEMA, FDEM, the Florida Department of Health, and Ready.gov.

1. Water: The Absolute Necessity

Dehydration is a serious risk, especially in Florida's heat after a storm when air conditioning is out. The standard recommendation is **one gallon of water per person, per day**. For a family of four for seven days, that's 28 gallons.

Sources: Commercially bottled water is best. Store-bought gallons are convenient. Avoid reusing plastic milk jugs or soda bottles, as they can be difficult to sanitize and may leach harmful substances.
Storage: Store water in a cool, dark place. Check expiration dates if using bottled water (though water itself doesn't expire, the plastic can degrade).
Purification: Consider having water purification tablets or a portable water filter as a backup, but don't rely on these as your primary source.

2. Food: Non-Perishable Fuel

You need energy to cope with the aftermath of a storm. Focus on non-perishable items that require minimal or no cooking, water, or refrigeration.

Types: Canned goods (soups, vegetables, fruits, meats, fish), peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives, comfort foods (cookies, hard candy).
Quantity: Plan for at least three meals per person per day for seven days.
Special Needs: Don't forget baby food, formula, and any dietary restrictions.
Essentials: Crucially, include a **manual can opener**! Also pack paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, and paper towels.
Storage: Store food in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. Check expiration dates regularly and rotate stock (use older items first and replace).

3. First Aid & Medications: Health Essentials

Minor injuries are common after storms, and access to pharmacies may be limited.

First Aid Kit: Purchase a comprehensive kit or build your own. Include bandages of various sizes, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), hydrocortisone cream, tweezers, scissors, and instant cold packs.
Prescription Medications: This is critical. Have at least a **one-week supply** (ideally more) of all essential prescription medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting an emergency refill authorization if needed *before* a storm threatens. Keep copies of prescriptions.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Meds: Include allergy medication, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, laxatives, and any other commonly used OTC remedies for your family.
Other Health Items: Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and cleaning solution.

4. Sanitation & Hygiene: Staying Clean and Healthy

Maintaining hygiene is vital for preventing the spread of illness, especially if water services are disrupted.

Supplies: Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), bar soap or liquid soap, toilet paper, paper towels, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, garbage bags, and plastic ties for waste disposal. Consider a small bucket with a tight-fitting lid for an emergency toilet if needed.

5. Tools & Safety Items: Light, Information, and Utility Control

These items help you navigate darkness, stay informed, and manage basic safety.

Lighting: Flashlights (multiple, including headlamps for hands-free use) and **lots** of extra batteries. Avoid using candles due to fire risk.
Communication: Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Portable phone chargers/power banks.
Safety: Whistle (to signal for help), dust masks (to filter contaminated air), fire extinguisher, wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities like water or gas if necessary – know how *before* you need to!).
Other Useful Tools: Duct tape, work gloves, basic tool kit, plastic sheeting.

6. Clothing, Bedding & Comfort:

Include at least one complete change of weather-appropriate clothing (including rain gear and sturdy, closed-toe shoes) and sleeping bags or warm blankets for each person.

7. Documents & Cash (From Week 1):

Ensure your waterproof container with copies of important documents and your emergency cash stash are included in or readily accessible with your kit.

8. Special Considerations:

Infants: Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream.
Seniors: Ensure medications are packed, consider mobility aids, extra batteries for hearing aids, etc.
Pets: Food (7+ days), water, bowls, medications, copies of vaccination records, leash, collar with ID tags, crate or carrier, sanitation supplies (litter, waste bags), comfort items (toys, bedding).

Fueling Up: Your Vehicle and Generator Plan

Gasoline becomes a precious commodity before and after a storm. Plan ahead!

Vehicles: Keep your car's gas tank at least half full *at all times* during hurricane season. Fill it completely if a storm is forecast.
Generators: If you have a generator, pre-purchase fuel (gasoline or propane) at the *start* of the season. Use a fuel stabilizer for gasoline stored longer than a few weeks.
Fuel Safety (CRITICAL RECAP from FDACS):
- Store fuel ONLY in approved, color-coded containers (Red=Gasoline, Yellow=Diesel, Blue=Kerosene).
- NEVER use milk jugs or open containers.
- Store fuel in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources and living spaces (e.g., a detached shed or garage).
- Refuel generators *outside* and only when they are cool.
- NEVER, EVER run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or any partially enclosed area.** Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer.

Storing Your Kit: Ready to Grab and Go

Your kit is useless if you can't find it or access it quickly.

Location: Store your kit in a cool, dry place that's easily accessible. Consider keeping components in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers like large plastic bins or duffel bags.
Multiple Kits: Consider having a primary kit at home and smaller "go-bags" in your car or workplace.
Maintenance: Check your kit at least twice a year (e.g., when daylight saving time changes). Replace expired food and water, check battery expiration dates, and update medications or documents as needed.

Taking Action: Your Week 2 Goal

Building a comprehensive 7-day emergency supply kit takes time and effort, but the peace of mind it provides is invaluable. Don't try to buy everything at once, especially if a storm is approaching, as shelves empty quickly. Gradually gather items throughout the year, focusing on sales and adding a few things each time you grocery shop.

Use the downloadable checklist [Link to Week 2 Checklist] to guide your shopping and organization this week. By methodically assembling your water, food, medical supplies, safety tools, and other essentials, you're taking a significant step towards ensuring your family's resilience during and after a hurricane.

Next week, we shift our focus to the physical structure of your home. Join us for **Week 3: Strengthening Your Home (Exterior Focus)**, where we'll explore wind mitigation techniques and exterior preparations that can help your house better withstand hurricane-force winds.

Stay prepared, Florida!