BEFORE THE STORM SHOPPING LIST

Purchase supplies that you need early!
Don't wait for a storm. When a storm threatens, lines will be long and supplies short.
Most of the items assembled in this kit can be used for any emergency situation.
Hurricane kit
Assemble this now and put aside in a special box. Keep heat-sensitive items inside the home and rotate stock throughout the season. Batteries can go in the refrigerator.


Flashlights and extra bulbs
Clock (wind-up or battery-operated)
Battery-operated radio
Extra batteries
Toilet paper
Matches (Look in camping stores for waterproof matches)
Scissors
Plastic garbage bags
Working fire extinguisher
An inexpensive rabbit-ears television antenna to use when cable goes out
Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy swamp boots you would not mind throwing away
Fully charged battery-operated lanterns. Don't use candles and kerosene lanterns. They are fire hazards.
Map of the area
List of phone numbers
Copy of insurance policy
Emergency toilet
Garbage can with tight lid
Plastic bags for liners
Disinfectant or bleach
Deodorizer
Extra toilet paper

Baby needs
Disposable diapers
Wipes
Diaper-rash ointment
Baby medicines
Medicine dropper
Extra formula, baby food

Food supplies
Get enough nonperishable foods now for two weeks. Then put them in a box and leave them alone.
Note: Canned and other prepared foods that are salty or dry or high in fat or protein might make for good provisions but they'll make you thirsty.

Water: 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person per day (get a week's supply); have extra for mixing powdered drinks
Ice or dry ice
Shelf-stable juice and milk boxes
Canned and powdered milk
Beverages (powdered or canned), fruit juices, instant coffee, tea
Raw vegetables that don't need refrigeration (will last only a few days)
Canned vegetables and fruits
Dried fruits
Prepared foods (canned soups, beef, spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, packaged pudding)
Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, unsalted nuts)
Snack spreads (peanut butter, cheese spreads, jelly)
Cereals
Sugar, salt, pepper
Bread
Dry and canned pet food
Extra formula or baby food
Kitchen supplies
Waterless hand sanitizer
Manual can opener
Water purification tablets
Bottle opener
Matches in a plastic bag
Pocket knife
Plastic bags, jugs or containers for water and ice
Camp stove or other cooking device and plenty of fuel. Use only canned fuel indoors - never charcoal or gas. Buy extra gas or charcoal to use in well-ventilated space after storm has passed.
Ice chests or coolers
Paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, plastic utensils
Disposable pans for cookingHardware
Hand tools: hammer and screwdrivers to use now, shovel and pickax for after the storm
Power screwdriver
4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood 5/8-inches thick to put over your windows
Quarter-inch machine screw sockets and screws
Plastic sheeting to cover furniture
Rope
Sturdy working gloves
Duct tape to waterproof items; Masking tape isn't strong enough
Canvas tarps
Nails. There are many kinds, so look over your home now and determine what you will need. A nail too small, the wrong shape or hammered in wrong will fail and that will give the storm the breach it needs to get into your home.
First-aid kit
Drugstores will be mobbed just before a storm and closed for days after. Keep a two-week supply of prescription drugs. Your first-aid kit should include:

Medical supplies

First-aid handbook
Insect repellent sprays
Citronella candles
Insect bite lotion
Petroleum jelly, for relieving itching
Ointments for burns, cuts
Antiseptic solution
Sunscreen
Extra over-the-counter medicine (for colds, allergies, cough)
Aspirin, acetaminophen, antacid tablets
Children's medicines
Diarrhea medication
Feminine hygiene items
Incontinence supplies
Rubbing alcohol
Iodine
Disinfectant
Soap in plastic bags
Moist towelette packets

Other supplies

Medic Alert tags
Thermometer
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Cotton-tipped swabs
Sterile rolls
Sterile adhesive bandages
Sterile gauze pads
Roller bandages
Scissors
Tweezers
Needles
Plastic sheeting
Adhesive tape
Safety pins
Latex gloves