Packing A Hurricane Disaster Kit
With Houston still struggling with the impact of Hurricane Harvey and Irma potentially headed in our direction, the time to make sure you are ready in the event a disaster does strike is now. Here is some advice that may help as you pack a hurricane disaster kit.
Assembling A Hurricane Disaster Kit
As Matthew taught us last year, hurricanes in South Carolina often come late in the season. Even if we dodge Hurricane Irma, there will likely be other storms ahead, and it is important to have a disaster kit ready and waiting if it is needed. Through its website, Ready.gov, the Department of Homeland Security advises assembling the following basic supplies:
One gallon of water per day, for a minimum of three days, for everyone in your family, including pets
A minimum three day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods and granola bars
A battery operated or hand crank radio
Candles, flashlights, and extra batteries
A dust mask to help filter contaminants
Garbage bags and paper towels, as well as moist toilettes for personal sanitation
Tools such as a wrench or pliers for turning off utilities as needed
A whistle, in the event you need to alert searchers to your location
Plastic sheeting that can be used to shelter you from the elements, and duct tape to hold it in place
You should also have a well-stocked first aid kit. Keep it stocked with rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, bandages, gauge, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, and over the counter pain relief medicine.
Important Information and Documents To Keep At Hand
As part of your disaster kit, make sure to write down your doctor’s phone number and any medical conditions you suffer from or medications you are currently taking. Keep a list of important local emergency numbers handy, such as the fire department, police station, EMS, and your local Red Cross or other disaster relief services. Protect important documents you will need after a storm hits by keeping them together in a three ring binder or folder. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends assembling the following:
Personal information, such as your driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security cards, citizenship papers, and marriage certificates
Titles to property, such as deeds to your home and car
Life, health, car, and homeowner’s insurance information
The front pages from your last two years tax returns
Financial account and credit card information
Your personal address book, as well as a printout of numbers from your cell phone
All of these items will be important if you need disaster relief services or in the event that injuries occur.
The Surasky Law Firm Is Here When You Need Us
As a proud member of the local community, our Aiken personal injury lawyers are here to assist in any way we can. When the unexpected occurs, contact the Surasky Law Firm, LLC to get the professional legal guidance you need.
