Crime & Safety

Prepare: What's In Your Hurricane Disaster Kit?

Having a disaster kit together is one of the top recommendations of emergency planners. But just what should you put into a kit?

With hurricane Sandy possibly on her way to New England, weather officials are warning residents to prepare for a hurricane or even Nor’easter.

Having a disaster kit together is one of the top recommendations of emergency planners. But just what should you put into a kit?

We gathered some suggestions from the National Hurricane Center, but also want to hear your suggestions.

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  • Water. Have at least one gallon for each person for up to seven days.
  • Food. Make sure to have nonperishable food items for up to seven days for each person in the household. Be sure to include a hand can opener and paper or plastic plates and utensils. It’s also a good idea to store snacks, specialty foods for infants or seniors and cooking utensils.
  • Important papers. Use a waterproof container to store insurance documents, medical records, Social Security cards, bank records, birth certificates and so on.
  • First aid supplies, as well as items to care for any babies, special needs or elderly people in the household.
  • Blankets and pillows.
  • Clothes.
  • Toiletries.
  • Flashlights and batteries.
  • A battery-operated radio or weather radio.
  • Charged mobile phones (extra batteries are a good idea, too).
  • Cash and credit cards.
  • Keys.
  • Tools.

Source: National Hurricane Center

What do you suggest? Please share.

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