Preparing for the Storm: Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit Now
Part III of a series on Hurricane Preparedness in Florida
Release Date: May 19, 2006
Release Number: LTR-06-028
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- With the 2006 hurricane season less than one month away, every family should be prepared to face another season of dangerous and destructive storms. Every home should have a Disaster Supply Kit. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida's State Emergency Response Team (SERT) urge all Floridians to act now to assemble their family's emergency supplies before the start of the new hurricane season.
"Every household should have at least a three day supply of food and water," said Scott Morris, director of Florida Long-Term Recovery. "Disaster Supply Kits are a central aspect of preparedness, and we ask those who have not yet assembled their kits do so before the start of the new storm season."
Every home should be stocked with a supply kit before June 1, which marks the start of hurricane season. When storing the supplies, keep them easily accessible in case of an evacuation.
"We want to ensure Floridians are ready for the 2006 hurricane season," said Craig Fugate, director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management. "The state's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday takes effect May 21 and goes through June 1. We encourage all Floridians to take advantage of this opportunity and assemble their supply kits before hurricane season begins."
Visit www.Ready.gov, www.FEMA.gov and www.FloridaDisaster.org for a thorough look into disaster preparedness and a more detailed list of emergency supplies. Also, www.Ready.gov/kids is an excellent resource for information on how to involve children in the process of assembling the family's Disaster Supply Kit.
To learn how one family has prepared for hurricanes in Florida, read the Best Practices story on the FEMA Web site at www.fema.gov/mitigationbp/ titled, "After Andrew, South Florida Family Keeps Vow to Be Hurricane-Ready." Mitigation Best Practices stories give information about successful ways to reduce damages in future storms.
A Disaster Supply Kit should contain the following:
- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking utensils / fuel, paper plates, plastic utensils - Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes
- Medical supplies - first aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs
- Special Items - for infants and the elderly
- Toiletries - hygiene items
- Moisture wipes
- Flashlight - extra batteries
- Radio - battery-operated and NOAA weather radio
- Cash - (Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.)
- Important documents - in a waterproof container
Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social security card, etc - Keys
- Toys, books and games
- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items
Proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash
(from www.FloridaDisaster.org)
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Sep-2007 23:51:48