Here’s a checklist for shopping, packing and stockpiling ahead of hurricanes:
Must have H20 and more
- Water in small bottles for drinking
- Water in gallon containers for cleaning up.
- Bottled beverages.
- Instant coffee.
- Tea bags.
For the ‘kitchen’
- Nonperishable foods, especially ready-to-eat or easy to prepare items — and comfort foods.
- Can opener.
- Cooking pot or pan.
- Utensils.
- Plates.
- Grill.
- Grill tools.
- Self-starting charcoal.
- Sterno.
- Matches.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Aluminum foil.
- Plastic bags.
Health and hygiene
- Aspirin.
- Prescriptions.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Toiletries.
- Toilet paper.
- Adhesive bandages.
- Germicidal handwipes
- Tweezers.
- Thermometer.
- Latex gloves.
Ready to wear
- Changes of clothing.
- Sunglasses.
- Prescription glasses.
- Close-toed boots.
- Rain jacket.
- Umbrella.
- Face masks.
Records and papers
- Birth certificates.
- Marriage certificates.
- Passports.
- Social security cards.
- Wills.
- Insurance documents.
- Account numbers.
- Irreplaceable photographs.
- Water-tight box.
Toolbox
- Wrench.
- Hammer.
- Pliers.
- Scissors.
- Assorted nails.
- Dust mask.
- Pocket knife
- Flashlights.
- Signal flare.
- Extension cords.
- Hatchet.
- Work gloves.
- Trash bags.
- Tarp.
- Duct tape.
Comfort and convenience
- Sleeping bag.
- Blankets.
- Lawn chairs.
- Games.
- Toys.
- Reading materials.
- Paper
- Pencil.
- Candles.
- Lanterns.
411 and 911
- Battery-powered radio.
- Earbuds.
- Batteries.
- Whistle.
- Smartphone and power bank.
- Solar battery charger.
- Road maps.
- Cash, including a roll of quarters and small bills
- Gasoline — full tanks.
- Propane tank.
Cleaning and clearing
- Disinfectant.
- Chlorine bleach
- Medicine dropper.
- Plastic bucket with lid.
- Rags.
Pet friendly
- Kennel.
- Medications.
- Cat litter box.
- Vaccination certificates.
- Food.
- Treats.
- Leash.
- Pet pick-up bags.