With tropical cyclone advisories in effect because of three hurricanes—Irma, Jose, and Katia—in the Atlantic, it’s time to start creating an emergency preparedness kit if you haven’t already thought about it. Hurricane Irma is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic and, in this time of distress, ensuring that you have enough necessities like food, water, and comfort items will help put you at ease and ensure you have the right tools to survive adverse weather conditions. But deciding what to put in an emergency kit can be stressful—especially when you have limited time and space. Here, a hurricane kit that includes nine essential items to help you keep your loved ones safe and secure.
Water
This one’s a given, but a reminder never hurts. You can never be too safe, so make sure to have at least one gallon per person per day on your emergency kit checklist. Tip: Bottles expire after about a year, so instead, fill your own large jugs ahead of any storm.
Food
Also something you’d expect to see in an emergency kit, but not all food is created equal when you're weathering a storm. Stock food that doesn't require the use of electricity to safely prepare (peanut butter, granola bars, and dried fruit), and stock up on enough to feed your family for at least a few days during Hurricane Irma. It’s also a good idea to have a camping stove and matches (stored in a waterproof container) available in case you want to heat food.
Flashlights
Flashlights are essential for obvious reasons, namely ensuring your family's safety when the power goes out, but they're especially useful if have little ones—the dark will heighten their fears during an already scary time. Also have a few battery-powered lanterns and headlamps stocked up as alternatives.
First-Aid Kit and Meds
An emergency first-aid kit is a must not just for actual emergencies, but for everyday life as well. However, if you don’t have one that’s easily accessible at home, you’ll certainly want to make sure you have one ready to go in this case.
Money
You’ve probably got your credit cards in your back pocket, but don’t forget to stash cash in your emergency survival kit—you’ll never know when you’ll be able to visit an ATM again.
Important Documents
The last thing you’d want to lose in a storm is anything that can’t be replaced. Ahead of time, make sure you grab birth certificates, any will you may have, passports, and other legal papers you can’t afford to get ruined.
Batteries and Portable Chargers
While you probably won’t forget the batteries, a portable charger might not be on the top of your mind to toss into your emergency preparedness kit. If you’re able to get cell phone service, it could be a game changer when it comes to letting your family know that you’re safe and sound.
Technology-Free Entertainment
While having a portable gaming system is a great way to keep the kids’ minds off the situation, they won’t have anything to do if you don’t have electricity. Throw some coloring books and games into your emergency kit to keep everyone’s minds occupied.
NOAA Radio Receiver
This is probably the least common item to pack in your home emergency kit, but certainly one of the most important to your safety. Normal AM/FM radios can’t pick up on frequencies sent by the National Weather Service during a hurricane, but this one can.
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