The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1, 2021, and continues through November 30, 2021. While this is the official “hurricane season”, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will start to issue regular tropical weather outlooks beginning on May 15, 2021. NHC is reporting earlier in response to a pattern of storms beginning before June 1 for the past six seasons.
As we prepare for what experts predict will be another busy storm season, are you prepared to weather a storm?
One of the most important things to consider when planning for a disaster is creating a supply kit. What supplies will you need during or after a storm? Supplies can include items such as food and water. Supplies can also include other items you may not use in your daily life, but are useful in a disaster. Check out the list below to see how it compares with what is in your kit:
Food and Water- Stock enough food and water to last each person in your family for a minimum of 3 days. Storms come and go quickly, but power and water outages can last long after a storm has passed.
First aid kit, medicine, and other prescriptions- Is the medicine you have on hand is enough to last you through the storm? Running low on a prescription before a storm? Refill prescriptions or stock up on other necessary medicine before a storm. Be sure to keep a first aid kit on hand. Replenish used items before a disaster.
Gasoline- Before a storm, fill up your car with a full tank of gas in case you need to evacuate quickly. Plan to use gas-powered generators? Stock up on gasoline ahead of a storm.
Cash on hand- After a storm, many local businesses may be without power for an extended amount of time. Be sure to have cash on hand to allow you to purchase supplies as needed.
Radio, batteries, phone chargers- Portable crank or solar-powered radio will help get news updates during power outages. Keep a solar-powered charger on hand to keep phones and other devices charged during power outages. Keep spare batteries on hand for items such as flashlights.
Sanitizing agents and masks- Keep extra hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and soap on hand to help minimize the spread of Covid-19. Stock extra masks in the event you need to go to a shelter or purchase supplies in a store.
Pet food and supplies- Don’t forget to gather supplies for pets. Be sure to keep extra water on hand and a supply of pet food and medications. Include immunization records and a spare leash in your kit. If you need to relocate, have a way to contain pets in carriers.
Check out the video from the Red Cross below, or visit the Ready.gov website for a more comprehensive list of supplies, how to maintain and store your kit.
