Houston, we’ve got rain. Hurricane Harvey is coming to town, and you need to make sure that your family is prepared for heavy rains, sustained winds, and possible power outages. Hurricane preparedness is of upmost importance.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need—a basic reference sheet you can use in a pinch when preparing your home and family for what’s to come this weekend:
SUPPLIES
- Flashlight
- Flashlight batteries (get some extra)
- Battery-operated radio (don’t forget some extra batteries for this, too)
- Matches (in a water-proof container)
- Duct tape
- Clock (wind-up or battery-powered)
- Plastic garbage bags
- Scissors
- Can Opener (manual)
- Extra Blankets
- Heavy Gloves
- Two Coolers (one for drinks and one for food—See FOOD AND WATER Section)
- Necessary Medicines
- Leash for Pets
- Pillows
- Soap
- Feminine Hygiene Items
- Insect-repellent Sprays
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Fuel (charcoal, lighter fluid, propane for grill needs)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Tupperware
- Paper Plates, Napkins, Cups, Cutlery
- First Aid Kit (See Next Section)
- Phone Charger (best if you have a portable phone charger, charged up and ready to go)
- Generator
FIRST AID
- Bandages (absorbent compress dressings and adhesive bandages are best)
- Antibiotic ointment packets
- Antiseptic wipe packets
- Hydrocortisone
- Non-latex Gloves
- Instant Cold Compress
- Breathing Barrier
- Adhesive Tape
- Antiseptic Solution
- Thermometer
- Medicines (Aspirin, Ibuprofen)
- Tweezers
FOOD AND WATER
- Water (one gallon, per person, per day – and extra if you have any pets)
- Juice
- Beer (hey, this is Texas, after all—we know how to have a hurricane party… responsibly)
- Milk (powdered on shelf-stable)
- Dry Pet Food
- Canned coffee drinks
- Crackers
- Fruit (dried or fresh)
- Granola Bars
- Rice Cakes
- Nuts
- Trail Mix
- Pop-Tarts (or Twinkies… Comfort food may be a necessity!)
- Canned Soups, Chili, Veggies, and Stews
- Cereal
- Preserved Meats (canned tuna, jerky, spam)
- Condiments (avoid mayonnaise if you don’t have a cooler for it; small individual packets of ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper work best)
PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
- Remove outdoor furniture
- Trim dead branches from trees
- Board up windows
- Fill gas tanks and extra gas containers
- Get extra cash
- Move furniture away from windows
- Store important documents in waterproof containers
- Move everything off the floor that you can
- Close all the windows (your car, too!)
- Ensure a collar with identification tags are on all of your pets
No matter what, be sure that you and your family are in a safe place during a hurricane, and always listen guidance from the city regarding evacuations or safety procedures for your area.
Here’s a nice infographic from www.aagenpro.com regarding Hurricane Preparedness:
