Now is the time to check your Disaster Kit to make sure everything is fresh and ready in should a hurricane hit Indian River County. In addition to topping off the gas tanks of all your vehicles and getting extra cash out of the ATM, stocking up on the following items is a good idea, so you are not faced with long lines at the store at the last minute:
- Water – at least 1 gallon per person and pet per day for at least three days
- Non-perishable food items for at least three days
- Manually operated can opener
- Battery-operated radio/tv
- Flashlight(s)
- Ample supply of fresh batteries
- Personal hygiene items
- First Aid Kit
- Two-week supply of medications in the original prescription bottles
- Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags
- Extra clean clothing and underwear, including a pair of rubber-soled, closed-toe shoes
- Lightweight folding chairs and cots
- Personal items including books and quiet games/toys
- Infant necessities such as diapers and formula
- Important papers (driver’s license, marriage license, birth certificate, deed to property, will, etc.) in water-tight packaging
The Indian River County Disaster Preparedness booklet offers the following supplies calendar – a helpful guide for when to buy what for your supply kit. With the Hurricane Season already in full swing, compare what the guide says you should have and what you actually have, and purchase what you still need.
* in the list denotes that number of items per person
Week 1:
- 1 gallon water*
- 1 jar peanut butter
- 1 large can juice*
- 1 can meat*
- Manually-operated can opener
- Permanent marker
Week 2:
- Heavy rope
- Duct tape
- 2 flashlights
- Matches in waterproof container
Week 3:
- 1 gallon water*
- 1 can meat*
- 1 can fruit*
- Paper and pencil
- Map of the area
- Aspirin/non-aspirin rain reliever
- Package baby diapers – if applicable
- Jars of baby food – if applicable
Week 4:
- Can of seal-in-air for your vehicle’s tires
- Signal flare
- Compass
- Extra medications/prescriptions labeled “For Emergency Use Only”
- Baby formula – if applicable
- Pedialite – or other infant rehydrating solution if applicable
Week 5:
- 1 gallon water*
- 1 can meat*
- 1 can fruit*
- 1 can vegetables*
- 2 rolls toilet paper
- Extra toothbrush*
- Travel size toothpaste
Week 6: (First Aid Supplies)
- Sterile adhesive bandages – in assorted sizes
- Safety pins
- Adhesive tape
- Latex gloves
- Sunscreen
- Gauze pads
- Sterile roller bandages
- Extra hearing aid batteries – if needed
Week 7:
- 1 gallon water*
- 1 can read-to-eat (not concentrated) soup*
- 1 can fruit*
- 1 can vegetables*
- Sewing kit
- Disinfectant
Week 8: (First Aid Supplies)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Liquid antibacterial hand soap
- Disposable hand wipes
- Baby wipes – if applicable
- Personal hygiene items
Week 9:
- 1 can read-to-eat soup*
- Liquid dish soap
- Househole chlorine bleach
- 1 box heavy duty garbage bags
- Antacid
- Extra saline solution and contact lens case – if applicable
Week 10:
- Waterproof portable plastic container with lid – for important papers
- Battery powered radio with extra batteries
- Basic household tools
Week 11:
- 1 large can juice*
- Large plastic food storage bags
- 1 box quick-energy snacks (granola, cheese and crackers, fruit snacks, etc.)
- 3 rolls paper towels
- Medicine dropper
Week 12:
- Whistle
- Perforated metal tape (plumber’s tape)
- Crow bar
- Insect repllant
Week 13:
- 1 can fruit*
- 1 can meat*
- 1 can vegetables*
- 1 package plastic eating utensils
- 1 package paper cups
- 1 package paper plates
Week 14:
- Extra flashlight and radio batteries
- Assorted nails and screws
- Labels for your equipment and supplies
Week 15:
- 1 can meat*
- 1 can vegetables*
- 1 box facial tissues
- 1 box quick-energy snacks
- Dried fruits/nuts
Week 16: (First Aid Supplies)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Rubbing alcohol
- Antiseptic cream
- Syrup of Ipecac
Week 17:
- 1 box graham crackers
- Assorted plastic containers with lids
- Dry cereal
Week 18:
- Double-sided tap or Velcro
- Plastic bucket with tight-fitting lid
- Plastic sheeting
Week 19:
- 1 box quick-energy snacks
- Comfort foods
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- Denture care items – if applicable
Week 20:
- Camping or utility knife
- Work gloves
- Disposable dust masks
Adapted from Indian River County Disaster Preparedness booklet.
