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Hurricane Packing List

Everyone who lives in hurricane prone areas must evacuate from time to time. It is important to heed all evacuation warnings by local authorities and to not grow complacent even if threatening situations have not occurred in the recent past. The emergency preparedness goal is to be self-sufficient for at least three days. What to pack may seem a daunting task in the face of imminent danger. It is best to gather the items on a hurricane packing list into kits before the hurricane occurs. Preparation reduces fear and anxiety.

Basic Needs
- The hurricane packing list begins with basic needs. The first is water. Each person will need 1 gallon of water per day. The minimum recommendation by FEMA is a three-day supply per individual. Each person will also need a three-day supply of food. Consider non-perishable foods, canned foods and snack foods. Remember infants and the elderly need special foods. Infants may also need formula. Consider adding a supply of paper plates, paper cups and disposable utensils to your list. Another consideration is adding prescription drugs, a spare pair of glasses and feminine hygiene products to the list. Add a complete change of clothing for each person, including a pair of sturdy shoes. Remember that infants may need a supply of disposable diapers.
Support Items
- For information purposes, add a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio to the list. Another useful support item is a flashlight with batteries. For personal hygiene, the list should also include moist towelettes, a first aid kit and toiletries. For communication purposes, add a signal whistle and a cell phone with a charger. Consider having a solar-powered charger for the cell phone. For comfort, add sleeping bags or warm blankets and pillows to the list. Additionally, add matches, a fire extinguisher, a hand-operated can opener and some plain chlorine bleach for a ready disinfectant and water purifier.
Important Papers
- Include family documents to the packing list. This includes spare credit cards, insurance records, medical records, bank account records, custody papers, birth certificates, marriage/divorce papers and Social Security cards. Also, add a backup of computer files and photos. For insurance purposes, add a CD containing a description and photos of all personal property. For basic identification, add photos of family members and pets to the list. Store these important papers in a waterproof container.
Pets
- Each pet needs several days of food and water in amounts appropriate for each animal. Include each pet's proper identification, medical records and medications. Pets need proper carriers or cages that allow thorough ventilation; add these items to the list. It's important to restrain the pets at all times during a hurricane. Include a leash or muzzle appropriate for your pet, too.

Nature