Every person and every situation is different; as you prepare and ultimately deal with the storms ahead, make decisions based off your situation and your experience level.
Charge ahead of time
All devices that provide light
Laptops, tablets, cameras, old phones (old phones can also make emergency calls to 911)
Medications
Stock up on basic medications, see below for recommendations
Refill medical prescriptions- most insurance companies allow up to 2 emergency refills per year
Stock up on medications for your pets if they need it
Pack a “Go Bag” in case you need to evacuate **sample list included below
Safeguard important items
Place important documents (in plastic sleeves or waterproof bags) and items in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab.
Include your wallet with ID, phone, etc.
Use your dishwasher as a safe storage place for any valuable items you have to leave behind –it’s waterproof and secured to cabinets so less risk of damaged items
Have Cash
Make sure you have cash on hand if power is out since ATM’s will not work
Identify and prepare your safe place
Pick your emergency safe place (ideally a place without windows or doors for additional protection from breaking glass) to store the items you'll need for the brunt of the storm
Gather candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them in accessible locations
Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, remove anything that will cause an odor if the A/C is off
Prepare for the wind and water outside
Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, especially trampolines and patio umbrellas
Secure gates, take down flags, bring in hoses, potted plants, bird feeders, etc.
Bring in patio furniture and grills
Water for consumption is vital
Ensure you have enough water for 3 days for each person and pet in the house. You can fill tubs and sinks with water.
Fill Tupperware or plastic freezer bags with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply
Be Ready to Evacuate
Unpack any coolers you have for easy access in case you need them
Fuel up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or car
Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car **sample vehicle bag items included below
Take a video or photos of your house and contents (including drawers and closets), this will help show proof of items if you need to make a claim later. Be sure to back up videos or photos to an external source in case your phone or camera is damaged.
Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets
Check on all family members in areas to be affected, set up emergency back up plans, and check on elderly neighbors
Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
Go Bag - recommended items for DIY Egress bag to support you for 24 hours
[note: LSDS provides Egress Bags with the highest quality equipment for crisis scenarios such as these, but you should be able to find most of these basic recommended items around your house already to prepare for this imminent storm):
Change of clothes
Waterproof jacket
First aid kit**
Water bottle
Water purification system or process (ex: Lifestraw or Iodine tablets)
Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
Extra batteries
Pocket knife and/or multi-purpose tool
Watch
Matches/lighter
Gorilla tape
Extra batteries
Hand sanitizer
High calorie food items that travel well and won’t spoil
Backup power source to charge phone in case of extended power outage
Medicines to support you for 24 hours
** Medical kit recommended items:
Band-Aids (various sizes)
Steri strips
Tweezers
Tylenol (individual packs)
Benadryl (individual packs)
Ibuprofen (individual packs)
Antiseptic wipes (individual packs)
Antibiotic ointment (individual packs)
Vacuum packed gauze
Ace wrap
Quikclot sponge to stop bleeding
Kiddo medications (the basics if they’re not old enough to take adult versions)
Kiddo Go Bag
(have your child pack their bag with you so that preparation is a family event!)
Change of clothes
High calorie snack items
Water bottle
Comfort item such as stuffed animal or blanket to make them feel safe if family is required to relocate
Vehicle-Ready Kit
Water
First aid kit
Jumper cables
Tool kit
Tow straps
Gloves
Head lamp
Extra batteries
Waterproof poncho
36-hour candle
MRE or camping meals
Hand sanitizer
Lighter
Ice scraper
Life vests for those who do not know how or cannot swim