By Champale Watkins, Disaster Recovery and Research Intern
As we prepare for the 2019 hurricane season, it is important to begin thinking about how to prepare in case a hurricane strikes and evacuation is necessary. When a storm is near it is difficult and time consuming to remember and pack all the items one may need to guarantee safety for themselves, children, and pets. Small children and pets have unique needs that require additional items to take into consideration when preparing. Save time by packing a Go Bag (Emergency Hurricane Kit) in a waterproof container in advance. If you do not plan on evacuating, this checklist can be used to prepare for power outages. Even if you plan on staying at home, still prepare a bag in case you are forced to evacuate. Below you will find a list of suggestions to think about when you are preparing your go bag this hurricane season.
* Remember to check expiration dates on food and medications.
HURRICANE GO BAG
| 1 | Non-perishable food – 3-day supply (2-week supply if staying home) | 16 | Multi-purpose tools and scissors |
| 2 | Water – 3-day supply (one gallon per person) (2-week supply if staying home) | 17 | Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap) |
| 3 | Can opener | 18 | Sanitation items |
| 4 | Paper towels and plates, plastic cups and utensils | 19 | Change of clothes – At least 3 days |
| 5 | Baby supplies (bottles, formula, food, diapers) | 20 | Sturdy shoes |
| 6 | Towels | 21 | Rain jacket/poncho |
| 7 | Medication – 7-day supply | 22 | Sleeping bags/Blankets for each person |
| 8 | Medical items (hearing aid, glasses, contact lenses) | 23 | ID and Cash |
| 9 | First Aid Kit | 24 | Personal documents (medical information, passports, birth certificates, proof of address) |
| 10 | Whistle | 25 | Family/Emergency contact information |
| 11 | Flashlight | 26 | Local maps |
| 12 | Cell phone and charger | 27 | Fuel for car and generator |
| 13 | Battery powered radio | 28 | Insect repellent |
| 14 | Extra batteries | 29 | Sunblock |
| 15 | Matches in a waterproof container |
Speacial Items for Children
| 1 | Coloring books (pencils, pens, markers, crayons) |
| 2 | Favorite stuffed animal |
| 3 | Deck of cards |
| 4 | Books |
| 5 | Games |
| 6 | Puzzles |
| 7 | Favorite blanket |
PET HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
| 1 | Food – 3 to 5-day supply (or two weeks) | 13 | Medical Records |
| 2 | Water – 3 to 5-day supply (or two weeks) | 14 | Pet First Aid Book and Kit |
| 3 | Bowls and Feeders | 15 | Important documents (registration, adoption, and vaccination) |
| 4 | Can opener | 16 | Veterinarian contact information |
| 5 | Microchip pets | 17 | Disposable litter box |
| 6 | Carrier with contact information and name of pet | 18 | Paper towels |
| 7 | Collar and Leash | 19 | Trash bags |
| 8 | Tags with contact information | 20 | Soap |
| 9 | Description of pet (species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing characteristics) | 21 | Disinfectant |
| 10 | Picture of pet | 22 | Treats |
| 11 | Medicine – 2-week supply | 23 | Toys |
| 12 | Flea and Tick medication/Heartworm preventative – 1-month supply | 24 | Bedding |
* Some shelters only allow service animals. Locate pet friendly hotels or boarding facilities.
References and Additional Information:
1. Are You Ready! Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/35f3ff58f7cc6a2047fdb1e8bae8466b/FEMA_checklist_child_508_071513.pdf
2. Disaster Preparedness. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
3. Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/index.html
4. Pets and Animals. Retrieved from https://www.ready.gov/animals
5. Proper Emergency Kit Essential to Hurricane Preparedness. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2018/08/16/proper-emergency-kit-essential-hurricane-preparedness
6. Survival Kit Supplies. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
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To learn more about CHILDREN AT RISK’s research and recovery efforts around Hurricane Harvey