Author’s note: I’m so sorry this is late, friends! This post just slipped past me, but it should be smooth sailing from here on out!
As I’m writing this, Hurricane Matthew is hitting the country of Haiti as a Category 4 hurricane. Please, if you can, donate any amount to help the people suffering as a result of this storm.
I’m in south Florida, and while the hurricane is not projected to hit my area directly, I know that we will be impacted by the outer bands of the storm, which typically bring flooding and tornadoes.
Being a young adult, no matter your area, it is imperative that you have an idea of what you need–and hopefully already own the specific items– to have in your home to prepare for extreme weather.
Ready.gov has a list of basic disaster supplies to have on hand:
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a 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 help filter contaminated air and 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
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Add anything to this list that you like, but keep in mind you’ll need lots of extra batteries, and the food items must be non-perishable. Canned food (think beans, vegetables, and fruit) and a strong can-opener (and maybe even a back-up) are important. Also, fruits that do not need to be refrigerated (think oranges, bananas, apples, tomatoes, avocados, peaches, pears, etc) to eat during the first day of a power outage. It’s also important to keep multivitamins on hand so that you can still get important vitamins and minerals.
If you have small children or pets, take into consideration their food and ways to entertain them in the event of power outage. Keep in mind to stock up on diapers, formula, and any other baby needs. For adults, medications, menstrual items, and contraceptive items are important–baby booms provide information on what most of us are doing during power outages .
Preparedness is key, so go stock up!
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