As hurricane season approaches, being prepared is crucial for ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones. One of the most important aspects of hurricane preparedness is having a well-stocked supply kit.
At Harris Insurance, we want to help you stay safe during the storm by making sure your supply kit is ready to go.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essentials of a hurricane supply kit and offer some additional tips to keep you prepared.
Why a Hurricane Supply Kit is Essential
When a hurricane hits, you may be cut off from essential services and supplies for several days, or even longer. Roads may be flooded, power lines down, and stores closed. A well-prepared supply kit ensures you have everything you need to survive the aftermath of a storm, from food and water to first aid and essential tools.
What to Include in Your Hurricane Supply Kit
Here’s a checklist of the essential items your hurricane supply kit should contain:
- Water
- Recommendation: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days. Don’t forget about pets!
- Why: Water is essential for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
- Non-Perishable Food
- Recommendation: A three-day supply of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts.
- Why: You may not have access to fresh food, and power outages can make cooking difficult.
- Manual Can Opener
- Why: You’ll need it to open canned food if the power is out and your electric can opener is unusable.
- First Aid Kit
- Contents: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, and any prescription medications you or your family may need.
- Why: In the event of an injury, you may not have immediate access to medical care.
- Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio
- Why: Staying informed is crucial during a storm. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio ensures you can receive weather updates and emergency instructions even if the power goes out.
- Flashlights and Extra Batteries
- Why: Power outages are common during hurricanes. Flashlights provide essential light without the risk of fire that candles pose.
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Items: Hand sanitizer, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene essentials.
- Why: Maintaining hygiene is important for preventing illness, especially when access to clean water is limited.
- Important Documents
- What to Include: Insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact information in a waterproof container.
- Why: Having these documents handy ensures you can quickly access vital information in the aftermath of a storm.
- Cash
- Why: In the event of a power outage, ATMs and card readers may be down. Cash ensures you can purchase necessary items.
- Emergency Tools
- Items: Multi-tool, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and waterproof matches.
- Why: These tools can be lifesavers in an emergency, helping you secure your home and handle basic repairs.
- Clothing and Bedding
- Items: Extra clothing, blankets, and sturdy shoes for each family member.
- Why: In case of flooding or damage to your home, having dry clothes and bedding is essential for comfort and safety.
- Pet Supplies
- Items: Food, water, and any medications your pets need, along with leashes, carriers, and bedding.
- Why: Your pets will need care during a hurricane just like any other family member.
Additional Tips for Hurricane Preparedness
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and alerts. Sign up for emergency notifications from your local government to receive the latest information.
- Plan for Evacuation: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan in place for where you will go if you need to leave your home. Make sure your family knows the plan too.
- Check Your Insurance Coverage: Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for hurricane-related damages. If you have questions or need to update your policy, Harris Insurance is here to help.
- Prepare Your Home: Secure loose items around your property, board up windows, and ensure your home is as storm-resistant as possible.
- Practice Your Plan: Run through your emergency plan with your family, so everyone knows what to do when a hurricane threatens.
Stay Prepared and Protected: Final Tips from Harris Insurance
Having a well-prepared hurricane supply kit is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family during hurricane season. At Harris Insurance, we’re committed to helping you stay safe and prepared.
By following this guide and ensuring your kit is stocked with all the essentials, you’ll be ready to face any storm that comes your way.
If you need assistance reviewing your insurance coverage or have any questions about hurricane preparedness, don’t hesitate to reach out to Harris Insurance. We’re here to provide peace of mind, no matter the weather.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
