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:

Go bag essentials

• 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 useful items

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