Michael Petruccelli says; If you plan on staying in your home
going to a relatives or a shelter you should prepare an emergency survival kit
that provides your family’s needs for a minimum 3 days (according to the Red
Cross) to one week as suggested by the
Pinellas County Emergency Services.
If you are staying home during a
hurricane Here’s a list of items to consider for your survival kit. Keep items
in airtight plastic bags or containers. Replace stored water every six months
and double check battery expiration dates.
Suggested items for a “Stay Kit”:
- One-week supply of food that requires no cooking and fluids to drink
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Nuts, beef jerky and trail mix
- Raisins, peanut butter and granola bars
- Formula or baby food
- Canned juices or sports drinks
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Non-electric can opener
- Utility knife
- Cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Cooler and ice
- Pet food
- First Aid Supplies
- Adhesive bandages, gauze pads and tape
- Soap and anti-bacterial hand gel
- Antiseptic
- Latex gloves, scissors and tweezers
- Thermometer
- Sunscreen
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medicine and laxative
- Anti-itch cream
- cooler(s)
Tools and Emergency Supplies:
- Flashlight and lanterns
- Battery-operated radio
- Extra batteries
- Matches or lighter in a waterproof container
- Compass and local maps with shelter locations
- A shut-off wrench and other tools
- Paper and pencil
- Plastic sheeting and tarps
- Elastic cords or rope
- Tarps and plastic sheeting
Sanitation:
- Portable toilet (5-gallon bucket, heavy trash bags, chlorine bleach)
- Toilet paper and moist towelettes
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Clothing and bedding
- One complete change of clothing and shoes per person
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- Sunglasses
- Kids and Entertainment
- Favorite nonperishable snacks
- Powdered milk
- Stuffed animal or favorite toy
- Blanket and pacifier
- Diapers and wipes
- Card and board games
- Books for all ages
EVACUATION KIT… WHAT
TO TAKE
If you are evacuating
to a public shelter –
Pack your essentials, but pack light
as space is limited. It is possible you may only have a space that measures 5
feet by 2 feet. Remember, a public
shelter is not a cruise ship, it is a life boat with the mission to save lives.
Suggested items for a
“Go Bag”
• Medications and copies of
prescriptions
• Nonperishable food
• Special dietary food that is
nonperishable
• Several gallons of drinking water to
keep in your vehicle. A minimum of one gallon per person.
• Bedding for a small space
• Infant or child necessities (wipes,
diapers, bottles)
• Personal hygiene items
• Change of clothes
• Eyeglasses
• Quiet games, toys or reading
materials
• Important papers and valid ID
• Cash and a phone list
If you are evacuating
to stay with friends or relatives or in a Host Home
Take your “Go Bag” and ask in advance
what kind of space you’ll have for your possessions and vehicles.
Prepare your home to
leave
Regardless of where you are
evacuating, before you leave your home, be sure to do the following:
• Take your valuables and important
papers with you
• Turn off all utilities (water,
electricity, gas) at the main switch
• Lock windows and doors
• Fill your gas tank
•
Advise friends or relatives of where you are going
