If you live along the Atlantic coast or the Gulf of Mexico, chances are you’re prepping for Hurricane Irma. The major hurricane with record winds is set to hit the United States this weekend. While hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing the south, others have chosen to stay. If you’ve chosen to stay put, it’s extremely important to make sure that you’re prepared.
Here are 10 things you need in your home before a storm:
1. Fishing Line
While you won’t be doing any fishing during the storm, fishing line can come in handy. The strong, waterproof fiber can be used to tie things down that might be blown away by the wind.
2. First Aid Kit
Make sure you have a first aid kit handy in case of an emergency. It should include sterile dressing, different sizes of bandages, sterile gauze pads, sanitizer and wipes, adhesive tape, anti-bacterial ointment, small scissors, gloves and tweezers. Add anything else you may need.
3. Baby Wipes
The hurricane might leave your yard filled with water, but when your electricity goes out, you won’t be able to bathe. Having baby wipes handycan help you clean yourself as well as your surroundings.
4. Landline Phone
Without working power to charge your cell phone, it will eventually die. Have a landline ready to contact your loved ones or emergency crews if necessary. Make sure it’s not a hands-free model that requires electrical charging, and keep extra batteries handy as well.
5. Extra Cash
Power outages and flood damage can cause problems when it comes to using ATMs and electronic payment processes. Keep some cash stored in a safe, dry place in case of an emergency.
6. Water
Water is one of the first things to go when the public realizes a major storm is coming. Be sure to stock up on fresh water to drink, bathe in and clean your surroundings.
7. A Whistle
Keep a whistle handy in case of an emergency. If your situation becomes dangerous, you might be able to alert nearby emergency personnel or others of your location.
8. Food
Don’t rely on anything in your fridge or freezer to get you through a storm. If your power is out for several days, that food will go bad. Stock up on food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. (Don’t forget to stock up on pet food!)
9. Maps
Always have a backup plan. Even if you think you know your town forwards and backwards, you might draw a blank during a crisis. Keep a few maps handy and circle storm shelters or other safe havens in case you need to move.
10. Waterproof Containers
If there’s even a slight chance that your house could be flooded, take all of your important documents in store them in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container so they won’t be ruined.