When a hurricane is approaching, every second matters. A well-equipped emergency kit can be the difference between safety and danger. But what should it actually include? Beyond food and water, we’ll guide you on how to pack vital documents, essential personal items, and key tools to help you handle any situation. Preparation is your best ally!
What is an emergency kit?
Also known as an emergency kit, it is a portable backpack or suitcase containing basic items needed to survive for at least 72 hours without outside help. In the context of hurricanes, this backpack should be ready before the season begins or, at least, at the time of a storm warning.
It should be easy to carry, accessible, and located in a visible location known to all household members.
What Should Your Emergency Kit Include Before a Hurricane?
Here’s a practical checklist organized by category:
1. Essential Survival Items
- Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, energy bars, dehydrated meals)
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
2. Hygiene and First Aid
- First aid kit
- Face masks, wet wipes, hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and trash bags
- Feminine hygiene products and baby care items (if needed)
3. Key Documents (both printed and digital copies)
- Save copies on paper and on a USB drive of:
- Personal ID
- Home or property insurance policy
- Photo inventory of your belongings (a must for any emergency!)
- Contact info for your insurance agent or public adjuster
Extra tip: Store photos and videos of your property before hurricane season. They’ll be extremely helpful if you need to file a claim.
4. Clothing and Personal Items
- Full change of clothes
- Waterproof shoes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
5. Other Useful Items
- Cash (ATMs may be out of service)
- Portable phone chargers
- Whistle
- Local map
- House and car keys
Common Mistakes When Preparing Your Emergency Kit
- Waiting until the last minute: Many people don’t start preparing until a hurricane is announced. The risk is that supplies may be out of stock or it may simply be too late.
- Not checking the contents regularly: Some items, like food or batteries, can expire or lose effectiveness over time.
- Forgetting important documents: Without them, any process or paperwork after the emergency will be much more difficult.
- Overlooking all household members: Make sure to include medications, baby supplies, elderly care essentials, and items for pets.
Practical Tips to Keep Your Kit Ready
- Check it twice a year (for example, at the beginning and end of hurricane season).
- Store the backpack in a dry, visible, and easily accessible place.
- Involve the whole family: everyone should know where it is and what’s inside.
- Create a visible list of the contents and attach it to the outside of the backpack.
This kit should be part of your family’s emergency plan. Make sure all household members (including children and older adults) know where it’s stored and what it contains.
Conclusion: Being Prepared Is a Responsibility
Packing your emergency kit isn’t being alarmist—it’s being proactive! Living in a hurricane-prone area means taking the safety of your home and family seriously. Beyond physical protection, being well prepared gives you peace of mind and makes it easier to handle any situation after the storm.
Remember: Being prepared gives you peace and control.
If you’re unsure how to protect your home and family, or need help understanding your insurance policy, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Let Us Claim, we’re ready to help. Schedule a free policy review with our team today!