How to create a hurricane kit for your family

SHEEHAN HELPS YOU GET READY NOW, MANY OF THE SUPPLIES THAT YOU NEED TO RIDE OUT A HURRICANE CAN BE FOUND RIGHT HERE AT YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD GROCERY STORE. SO I’M GOING TO DO A LITTLE SHOPPING AND ALSO GIVE YOU A COUPLE OF INSIDE TIPS. TOP OF THE LIST A SEVEN DAY SUPPLY OF WATER, ONE GALLON PER PERSON. EACH DAY. AND HERE’S YOUR INSIDE TIP BUY EXTRA IF YOU CAN. YOU’LL BE THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR NEIGHBOR WHEN YOU SHOW UP ON A DOORSTEP WITH EXTRA WATER. AND OF COURSE, YOU’LL NEED A SEVEN DAY SUPPLY OF NONPERISHABLE FOOD. FOOD THAT’S EASY TO PREPARE. BUT HERE’S YOUR INSIDE TIP LET THE KIDS GO SHOPPING WITH YOU AND PICK SOME OF THEIR FAVORITES. THEY’LL BE EXCITED ABOUT EATING THEIR HURRICANE SNACKS. FLASHLIGHTS ARE AN OBVIOUS NECESSITY DURING EVERY HURRICANE, AND YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY BATTERIES. BUT HERE’S AN INSIDE TIP CHECK YOUR DEVICES AT HOME AND MAKE SURE YOU’RE BUYING THE RIGHT BATTERIES FOR THE DEVICES THAT YOU’RE GOING TO BE USING. DO NOT FORGET THE PAPER PLATES, THE PLASTIC SILVERWARE, AND THE PAPER CUPS YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO DO DISHES DURING A HURRICANE AND ALWAYS HAVE PROPER FOOD AND SUPPLIES FOR YOUR PETS. REMEMBER, THEY CAN’T SHOP FOR THEMSELVES EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE A CHARCOAL GRILL. MATCHES ARE A DEFINITE NECESSITY FOR A HURRICANE KIT, AND GOOD OLD RELIABLE DUCT TAPE. AFTER A HURRICANE, IT’S GOING TO COME IN HANDY. TRUST ME.

Hurricane season has officially started in southeast Louisiana, and now is the time to make sure you have proper supplies in place in the event of a storm. The most important things to have on your hurricane preparedness list are enough bottled water and nonperishable food items to last you and your family for at least three days. It's recommended to secure at least a week’s supply to ensure you’re ready for a storm.Items you will likely need include a seven-day supply of bottled water, or one gallon per person per day, as well as boxed juices and flavored drinks to add variety. Obviously, nonperishable foods and a seven-day supply of food that can be easily eaten with little preparation. When the power goes out, which it regularly does during hurricanes, you’ll need enough tools, batteries and battery-powered devices to keep you comfortable after the sun goes down and without the electricity. Battery-powered radios and flashlights will be needed. Check your devices, especially the flashlights and radios, and make sure you have a supply of the correct batteries needed to power these devices. A battery or solar-powered cellphone charger is recommended. Also have a tool kit that includes duct tape, a first-aid kit, and board games or books, especially for the kids. Plastic disposable utensils should be considered, and documents should be kept in waterproof containers or sealable bags. Here is an easy checklist to use to build your kit: Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitationFood - at least a three-day supply of nonperishable foodBattery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.FlashlightFirst-aid kitExtra batteriesWhistle to signal for helpDust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in placeMoist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitationWrench or pliers to turn off utilitiesManual can opener for foodLocal mapsCellphones with chargers and a backup batteryPersonal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitizerFor more information on hurricane kits, click here.

NEW ORLEANS —

Hurricane season has officially started in southeast Louisiana, and now is the time to make sure you have proper supplies in place in the event of a storm.

The most important things to have on your hurricane preparedness list are enough bottled water and nonperishable food items to last you and your family for at least three days.

It's recommended to secure at least a week’s supply to ensure you’re ready for a storm.

Items you will likely need include a seven-day supply of bottled water, or one gallon per person per day, as well as boxed juices and flavored drinks to add variety.

Obviously, nonperishable foods and a seven-day supply of food that can be easily eaten with little preparation.

When the power goes out, which it regularly does during hurricanes, you’ll need enough tools, batteries and battery-powered devices to keep you comfortable after the sun goes down and without the electricity.

Battery-powered radios and flashlights will be needed. Check your devices, especially the flashlights and radios, and make sure you have a supply of the correct batteries needed to power these devices.

A battery or solar-powered cellphone charger is recommended. Also have a tool kit that includes duct tape, a first-aid kit, and board games or books, especially for the kids.

Plastic disposable utensils should be considered, and documents should be kept in waterproof containers or sealable bags.

Here is an easy checklist to use to build your kit:

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 nonperishable food
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
Flashlight
First-aid kit
Extra batteries
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
Cellphones with chargers and a backup battery
Personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer

For more information on hurricane kits, click here.

How to create a hurricane kit for your family

Share

Share

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

Share

Top Picks