Hurricane supply list, survival tips

Preparing for a hurricane
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that at a minimum, these supplies should include:
—Several clean containers, large enough for a 3 to 5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).
—A 3 to 5 day supply of non-perishable food.
—A first aid kit and manual.
—A battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
—Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
—Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
—Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
—Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers and other baby supplies.
—Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.
—Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
—An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and perhaps even sleeping bags.
Hurricane watch
or warning steps
If you are under a hurricane watch or warning, the CDC offers suggestions for basic steps to take to prepare for the storm:
—Learn about your community’s emergency plans, evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters.
—Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the hurricane strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
—Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it.
—Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc.
—Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
—Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.
—Make plans to ensure your pet’s safety.
Evacuation
Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watch when there is a threat to coastal areas of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.
When a hurricane watch is issued, the CDC says that you should:
—Fill your automobile’s gas tank.
—If no vehicle is available, make arrangements for transportation.
—Fill containers with clean water.
—Review your emergency plans and supplies.
—Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
—Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
—Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, and other mobile items.
—Cover windows and doors with plywood or place large strips of masking tape on the windows to reduce the risk of flying glass.
—Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
—Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
—Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
—Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.
Hurricane warning
If a hurricane warning is issued and an evacuation is ordered, the CDC advises:
—Take only essential items with you.
—Turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
—Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
—Make sure your automobile’s emergency kit is ready.
—Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
Riding out a storm
If no evacuation is ordered and you attempt to weather out a storm, the CDC offers some common-sense suggestions:
—Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions, if possible.
—Stay indoors until the authorities declare the storm is over. Do not go outside, even if the weather appears to have calmed — the calm “eye” of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume.
—If possible, take shelter in a windowless, interior room or closet. Stay away from all windows and exterior doors. Bathtubs can provide some shelter if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials.
—Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor’s home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel.