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Hurricane season is here, Houston! ️ Now's the perfect time to ensure your family's safety and well-being by building a basic disaster supplies kit. These essentials will keep you comfortable and ready to face any potential disruption caused by a natural disaster.
What to Include in Your Kit:
Water & Food
Water: minimum 3 gallons of water per person (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days), for drinking and sanitation.
Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person.
Manual can opener
Disposable plates, bowls, and utensils (to conserve water)
Gas
Pet Supplies: Food and extra water for your pet.
Communication & Navigation
Create a communications plan. Hand-write contacts
Local Maps (yes, the paper kind in case GPS/electronic maps are inoperable)
Cell Phones with Chargers and a backup battery or fully charged power bank
Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio for news and weather updates
Flashlights and/or battery-operated lanterns
Extra batteries
Health & Safety
First Aid Kit
Prescription Medications (at least 5 days’ worth)
Non-Prescription Medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, antihistamines, etc.
Whistle: To signal for help.
Dust Masks: To help filter contaminated air.
Shelter & Sanitation
Plastic Sheeting or Tarps & Duct Tape: To shelter in place or make impromptu repairs.
Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties: for personal sanitation.
Sleeping Bag or Warm Blanket: For each person.
Strengthen your home
Personal Items
Prescription Eyeglasses and Contact Lens Solution
Infant Supplies: Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes for each person
Important Documents & Money
Cash
Important Family Documents: Paper copies of identification, titles/deeds, insurance policies, legal documents, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container and/or saved electronically.
Fortify Your Home:
Install sewer backflow valves to safeguard against flooding.
Trim dead branches and consider removing dead trees to minimize the risk of them damaging your home during a storm.
Secure Your Investment: Ensure your property is adequately documented and insured.
Review your insurance policies to confirm coverage and make any necessary updates.
Take Inventory: Create a detailed record of your belongings for insurance purposes.
Final Tips:
Store these items in airtight plastic bags and place your entire kit in easy-to-carry containers like plastic bins or a duffel bag.
Stay informed! Regularly monitor weather reports and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Stay safe and prepared, Houston! 🌟
(Credits: FEMA)
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