Both the National Hurricane Center and the American Red Cross have developed specific guidelines for Hurricane supply kits. A hurricane survival kit is merely a specialized version of your disaster supply kit. It should include provisions to carry you through a week or two after a storm or other disaster. Our hurricane preparation page includes additional recommendations based on experiences of real people who have been through similar situations. Remember, the more water, food, and other items you have the better off you will be in the event of an emergency. You will be able to assist family and friends if needed.
Some companies include pre-assembled survival kits that include water purification tablets and more. They can be useful in addition to your own kit.
Our own version increases some of their recommendations and includes some additional items that are helpful in our experience.
Remember to print hard copy of any documents you need – instructions, tips or anything in case you have no power.
- Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 7 to 10 days. Katrina and Wilma should have emphasized the importance of having sufficient water on hand. Don’t forget some for your pets.
- Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods (Peanut butter; mixed PBJ; breakfast bars; crackers; canned fruit; raisins; chips;
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils / paper cups
— trash bags and duct tape – useful for clean-up, or patching leaks in an emergency
- An ax to use if you stay and need to escape from your house – or other uses
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
- Special Items – for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
- Bug spray, Cortisone for bug bites
- Sunscreen & Lotion
- Tarp to cover holes if needed.
- Bleach
- Water purification tablets
- Waterless soap saves water for drinking
- Flashlight / Batteries
- Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Battery operated television, with extra batteries.
- Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Make sure you have small bills because it will often be difficult to get change, I you only have a $100 and water is $10 for a case and you are limited to one case, you do not want to have the choice of paying $100 or having no water.
- Keys to house, cars, boats etc
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Don’t forget your re-entry documents (e.g. stickers or passes). Many barrier islands require some documentation in order to return. Keep important phone number here. You may know them, but a loved one may not. - Tools – keep a set with you during the storm. A pocket knife, nails, a hammer and rope are important elements. Towels and buckets are useful too if you develop a leak.
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash
Hurricane Tips
- If you can’t get cell reception, move to high ground and you may be able to reach towers that are in working condition.
- Have a non-cordless plug in phone (a no-frills, phone that only plugs into the phone outlet and does not need its own power supply). Often phone lines will work, but without power, cordless phones will not work.