During hurricane season, it is important to be ready at a moment’s notice. Assemble these important items now so you and your family are ready to go. These items are the most important to include in your evacuation bag:
- One gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days
- Three-day supply of nonperishable food and a can opener if you are including canned food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Prescription medicine, contact lenses, and any prescription glasses
- Diapers and infant formula for babies
- If COVID-19 is still a threat, have face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and soap on hand for everyone in case you must evacuate to a shelter
Other items to include, if you have space:
- Waterproof container with important documents such as birth certificates, identification, insurance information, bank account information, immunization records
- Cash or travelers’ checks
- Toys and games for older kids
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes for each person
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Personal hygiene items
- Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Water purification tablets or household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach for use as a disinfectant, or in an emergency, treat water by putting 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach in a gallon of water
- Paper and pencil
- Cellphone with an extra power bank in a waterproof, resealable bag
- Digital backup (photos and/or video) of personal property in a waterproof, resealable bag
