Hurricane Checklist

Hurricane Supplies:

Quick List. Respect the Storm. Leave if you are asked to leave.  Each storm is different.  What worked last time for a Tropical Storm or Category 1, will not work for a Category 4.

Short Range to Ride out the storm.

1.    Water. Have at least a gallon of water with you to pass the day, perhaps ice. Long range see   below.
2.    Snacks: Protein or granola bars. You might want to fast. I did for 12 hours. 
3.    Battery operated fan.
4.    Charged Battery Banks for devices.  Super important.  You can get one for around $15.
5.    Radio with batteries and more batteries.
6.    Weather radio. 
7.    Flash light.
8.    A prepared safe room with minimum glass windows, preferably a walk in closet or bathroom.  
9.    Blankets, pillows, cushions-even mattresses to cover the floor of safe room.
10.    Disposable cups, plates, napkins inside zip lock bag. Have a trash bag.
11.    Bag for all your things. Gather your things in one place.
12.    Close all  windows tightly shut in your house.
13.    Close all interior doors. This will prevent the winds to move through out the house.
14.    Have sturdy shoes with you in case there is broken glass on the floor.
15.    Board up your windows as needed especially any large window or sliding glass door.
16.    Bring in anything that can blow away.
17.    Reinforce any doors with a heavy piece of furniture behind it and/or storm door in front of it.
18.    Weather Map with longitude and latitude. Follow the storm.
19.    Film the last weather report in case the lights go out.
20.    Small cooler filled with frozen water bottles in your safe place.
21.    Clothes. Fresh socks.
22.    Prayer.  Talk to God about your decisions.  Listen as well.  Comforting Psalms to read: 23, 91, and   103.  God loves you.

Long Range:

1.   Water. Consider buying a clean trash can and filling it up with tap water while it is still clean.  You can also clean the trash cans you already have with Clorox and put clean trash bags.  When your water comes back it might look clean but it will probably not be properly treated. Buy enough bottled water.
2.    Food.  Low salt, food for ten days. Premade canned food. Tuna, chicken, Ravioli, etc.
3.    Cash. Cash is king when there is no electricity.
4.    Gas.  Fill up your tank ahead of the storm.  If you can, buy extra gas, do so.  Be sure you are using an approved container.
5.    Food for pets. Have enough food for your pets.  Bring them in.
6.    Meds filled and have over the counter medicines for headaches and colds.
7.    Frozen water bottles.  Put them in your freezer.  You will thank me later.
8.    Bags of ice.  Fill up freezer with them ahead of time.
9.    Drains and gutters.  They need to be cleared of leaves and twigs ASAP.
10.    Have a plan for where you can go if your home proves to be unsafe.
11.    Propane gas or a gas stove to cook your food.  Have enough for ten days minimum.
12.    Solar battery bank. (I got mine at amazon.com)
13.    Solar lights. I bought a string of solar lights and they work very well.
14.    Generator.  Purchase one if possible so you don't lose all your food.  Have it installed with a certified electrician. Inverter type are the most quiet.
15.    Neighbors.  They are essentially your family in the crisis.
16.    Educate yourself.  Consider flood prone areas. 
17.    Entertainment. Sometimes watching a good movie on your phone or iPad  and/or playing card games release tension. 
18.    Share. Plan to be your brother's keeper. Pack extra.  

Evacuation:

1. Time. If you decide to leave consider time needed to evacuate.
2. Gas. Fill up your gas tank. 
3. Extra Gas. Have an extra gas container.
4. Documents. Take insurance and other important documents and valuables with you. 
5. Add Short Range List. Bring all the items in the Short range list. 
6. Linens. Take items such as linens and food for you and your family.
7. Map. Download a TripTik from AAA. They are free on home page.  Some people go out of state entirely. 
8. Pack comfortable clothes for three to four days. 
9. Dress yourself in patience, kindness, and understanding.  Everyone is in the same boat. 
10. Share your plans with friends and family.  You are loved.