Pre-Hurricane Checklist

If a hurricane strikes, we want you to be as prepared as possible. Sure, we can guarantee that your possessions will be restored, but we also want you and your family to be safe. Knowing a few tips on how to prepare for a storm and what to do in its aftermath can dramatically reduce your risk of harm and expedite the recovery process.

Hardware Items

• Extra batteries, evaporated milk.  
• Manual can and bottle openers.
• Folding stove, oven mitts.
• A battery-operated radio and/or television along with extra batteries.
• Battery-operated lanterns and enough flashlights for each member of the family, plus extra batteries and bulbs.
• Duct tape.
• Lightweight fire extinguishers.
• Wrench to turn off household gas and water. Keep it near the shut-off valves.
• Chain saw, gassed up, oiled and ready.
• Generator.

Houseware

• Plastic trash bags with ties and large, sealable plastic bags. Use them to protect important documents, furniture, clothing, blankets and pillows.
• Paper towels and plates, bowls, cups, detergent and plastic utensils.
• Toilet paper and personal hygiene supplies like shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and tampons.
• Baby supplies such as baby food, diapers and formula.
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Camera film for ''before'' and ''after'' pictures.
• Plain chlorine bleach or iodine.
• Clean, empty containers for storing drinking water: at least one gallon per person per day.
• Ice chests or coolers.
• Pet supplies, such as cat litter, a scooper and any medicine.
• Bug spray.

Food

• Milk. Choose evaporated, dry powder or shelf-stable varieties.
• Canned foods like vegetables, soups, fish, meats, fruits and fruit juice.
• Peanut butter and jelly.
• Bread, crackers, cookies, other baked goods.
• Cereal and granola bars.
• Dried fruits and nuts.
• Bottled water.
• Vitamins.
• Instant drink mixes (coffee, tea, etc.).
• Pet food and bowls.