Hurricane season is officially here (June 1 – November 30), and forecasters have predicted a near- or above-average 2018 Atlantic hurricane season according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While we always hope for the best, now’s the time to start preparing while items are in-store and widely available.
Some basic supplies to consider stocking up on (if you don’t already have) include:
- Non-perishable food items: applesauce, granola, protein bars, peanut butter / nut butters, jelly, beef / turkey jerky, pudding, cereal, cheese / peanut butter crackers, canned tuna, nuts, canned fruits / vegetables, trail mix, dried fruit, low-sodium soups, dry pasta, sports drinks, baby food, pet food, etc.
- Bottled Water: at least one gallon per person per day, for at least three days is widely recommended
- Disposable Serving Ware: plastic utensils, paper plates and bowls, napkins / paper towels, manual can opener
- First-Aid Kit: Band-Aids of multiple sizes, pain relievers, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, thermometer, iodine, antacid tablets, scissors, tweezers, hydrocortisone cream, absorbent compress dressings, aspirin, antihistamines, roller bandage, gauze pads, etc.
- Personal Hygiene and Health Supplies: baby wipes / wet cleaning cloths, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, tampons / pads, soap, deodorant, dry shampoo, contact lenses and solution, hearing aids, insect repellant, cotton balls and swabs
- Baby Supplies (if needed): disposable diapers, baby wipes, lotion, diaper rash cream, bottles, powdered formula, nasal aspirator, teething oil / ointment, medicine dropper, baby gas drops, infant acetaminophen / ibuprofen, infant thermometer
- Pet Supplies (if needed): collar, leash, bowls, carrier, pet bed and toys, cleaning supplies / trash bags
- Cooler(s) and Ice Packs
- Clean Containers for Storing Water
- Extra Batteries: be sure to check your items for the various battery sizes you may need
- Flashlights and/or Battery-Operated Lanterns : recommended one for each family member
- Battery-Powered, Solar or Hand-Crank Radio
- Copies of Important Documents and Waterproof Containers to Store Them (including pets’ identification and medical history)
- Books, Magazines, Games, etc.
- Cash
Here are a few helpful articles and checklists to refer to as well:
- FEMA’s “How to Prepare for a Hurricane”
- Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist
- Red Cross Recommended First-Aid Kit Essentials
- First-Aid Kit Essentials for Infants/Children
- State of Florida’s “Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness”
- CDC’s Hurricane Supplies Checklist
- How to Prep Your Home and Business for a Hurricane
- Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s “Reduce Hurricane Damage to Homes”
Throughout the years, Combat Veterans to Careers has raised funds and provided direct assistance for Florida veterans in need before, during and after natural disasters, such as hurricanes Matthew and Irma.
We are currently seeking a Disaster Response Volunteer to assist in planning for any future emergencies and coordinating response teams for our veterans. Learn more and apply online today at: https://combatveteranstocareers.org/volunteer/.
