It’s hurricane season in Hawaii. Do you have the supplies you need?
In the Central Pacific, hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that this year’s hurricane activity will be normal or above normal. To make sure you stay safe, pay attention to weather alerts and keep your home stocked with essential supplies.
1. Food and Water
You should have an adequate supply of food and bottled water. Some experts advise keeping at least a three-day supply on hand, but FEMA recommends keeping a two-week supply if possible. Nonperishable food that’s easy to prepare, such as canned food, is ideal. For water, you a need a gallon per day per person.
Make sure you have formula for any babies in the house and food that’s appropriate for anyone with allergies or other special dietary concerns. Remember that stores will be crowded and picked over right before a hurricane hits, so don’t wait until the last minute to stock your pantries.
2. Emergency Tools
A hurricane may cause damage to your home. It’s important to have the right tools to prevent and repair such damage. Hurricane tape, duct tape, tarps, plywood to board up your windows and a basic toolkit may all come in handy.You need flashlights and battery-powered lanterns, which do not pose the same fire risk as candles, along with plenty of batteries. You need a radio, either a battery-powered one or an emergency hand-crank radio. You should always have a fire extinguisher on hand. Make sure yours is in working condition.
3. Medicine
Make sure you have a supply of any over-the-counter or prescription medications needed by you or anyone in your household.
Keep a first aid kit in your house. It should include bandages, sterile gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, pain killer, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, a thermometer and an emergency blanket. You can make your own, but it’s probably easier to purchase a ready-made one. The Red Cross sells several first aid kits in various sizes. Also keep a supply of feminine hygiene products, soap and insect repellent.
4. Pet Supplies
Don’t forget about the furry members of your family. You need to have an emergency supply of their food and medications, too. In case you’re forced to evacuate, make sure you have a travel carrier and proof of rabies vaccination. Keep puppy training pads or litter supplies on hand.
5. Old-Fashioned Entertainment
The power often goes out during a hurricane, so make sure you have some entertainment options that don’t rely on electricity. Keep a selection of books and board games on hand. This way, you’ll have something to take your mind off the storm.
6. Clothes and Blankets
In addition to the normal supplies you have in your house, you may need extra blankets during a hurricane. Also make sure you have raincoats and rainboots. In case you have to handle broken glass or debris, you’ll want a pair of thick gloves.