Essential Items for Your Hurricane Supply Kit & Generator Safety

Hurricanes can be powerful and bring lots of wind and rain. They often cause power outages. Evacuation is recommended during a mandatory evacuation. If you decide to stay in your home during a hurricane it is important to be prepared before a hurricane comes. One way to stay safe is by having a disaster supply kit ready. Below we list some essential items your hurricane readiness kit should contain.

Essential Items for Your Hurricane Supply Kit

Water and Food

  • Water: At least one gallon per person per day for 7 days

  • Food: Easy-to-eat foods that don't need cooking for 7 days

  • Baby needs: Formula, baby food, and bottles

  • Can opener: A can opener that doesn't need electricity

Medical and Safety Supplies

  • First aid kit: Bandages, wipes, and pain medicine

  • Medicines: 7-day supply of all medicines your family takes

  • Medical equipment: Extra batteries for hearing aids or other devices

  • Cleaning supplies: Hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks

  • Personal items: Soap, toothbrushes, and toilet paper

Communication and Light

  • Flashlights: Flashlights with extra batteries

  • Radio: A radio that uses batteries or hand-cranking

  • Phone chargers: Phone chargers and portable batteries

  • Whistle: A whistle to call for help if needed

Important Papers

Keep these in waterproof containers:

  • Insurance papers and house papers

  • Medical information and medicine lists

  • ID cards and birth certificates

  • Bank information and important phone numbers

Other Important Items

  • Cash: Small bills since credit cards might not work

  • Extra clothes: Extra clothes and good shoes

  • Blankets: Blankets or sleeping bags

  • Tools: Multi-purpose tool and basic tools

  • Maps: Maps of your area (paper maps)

  • Things to do: Books, games, and toys

  • Pet supplies: Food, water, medicines, and carriers

Special Things for Families with Children

Children need extra care during storms:

  • Favorite toys or blankets for comfort

  • Games and books to keep them busy

  • Simple explanations about what's happening

  • Extra diapers, wipes, and formula for babies

  • Familiar snacks they like to eat

Medical Readiness for Hurricane Season

If someone in your family has medical needs:

  • Make a list of all medicines and how much to take

  • Write down doctor phone numbers

  • Have a simple health history for each family member

  • Consider medical alert tags for serious conditions

  • Have a plan for medical equipment that needs electricity

Generator Safety: How to Use Generators the Right Way

Generators can be really helpful when the power goes out, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Here’s how you can stay safe while using a generator.

1. Use Generators Outdoors Only

Never use a generator inside your house, garage, or basement. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that you can’t see or smell. Using a generator indoors can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is very dangerous and can be fatal.

2. Place Generators in a Safe Spot

Put your generator outside, away from windows, doors, and vents. The generator should be at least 20 feet away from your home. This keeps the carbon monoxide from getting into your house.

3. Keep It Dry

Generators should be kept dry. Make sure it is on a dry surface and use a cover to protect it from rain. Water can cause electrical shocks or damage the generator.

4. Avoid Overloading the Generator

Don’t plug in more devices than your generator can handle. Check the generator’s manual to see how many watts it can supply and only use devices that add up to that amount. Overloading can damage the generator and cause fires.

5. Use Proper Cords

Use heavy-duty extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Make sure the cords are in good condition and don’t have any frayed or exposed wires. Plug the cords into the generator and then into your appliances or devices.

6. Turn Off the Generator Before Refueling

Always turn off your generator and let it cool down before adding more fuel. Fuel can catch fire if it’s added to a hot generator, which can cause a fire.

7. Store Fuel Safely

 Keep extra fuel in a safe place, away from your generator and living areas. Store fuel in approved containers and in a well-ventilated area. Never store fuel near heat sources or open flames.

8. Keep Kids and Pets Away

Make sure children and pets stay away from the generator. It can get very hot and is not safe to touch while it’s running. Plus, keeping them away helps avoid accidents and injuries.

9. Read the Manual

Always read the owner’s manual for your generator. It has important safety instructions and tips for using it correctly. Follow the guidelines to ensure safe operation.

10. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

For extra safety, consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home. This will alert you if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous, giving you time to get to safety.

Remember: Generators are useful but need to be used carefully to keep everyone safe. Follow these safety tips to avoid accidents and keep your home and family protected.

When to Take Action Before a Hurricane

72 Hours (3 Days) Before the Storm

  • Start watching weather updates on TV or radio

  • Talk with your family about your emergency plan

  • Check your hurricane supplies and buy what you need

  • Get extra medicine if you might run out

48 Hours (2 Days) Before the Storm

  • Bring inside toys, chairs, and things that could blow away

  • Fill up your car with gas

  • Get some cash since ATMs might not work

  • Charge your phone and other devices

24 Hours (1 Day) Before the Storm

  • Finish getting your home ready if you're staying

  • Leave early if you need to go somewhere else

  • Tell family members where you will be

  • Move important things to higher places if flooding might happen

After the Storm: Taking Care of Your Family

Once the hurricane is over:

  • Watch for signs of stress or fear, especially in children

  • Be careful when cleaning up to avoid injuries

  • Stay away from flood water, as it can be contaminated and cause health issues if ingested or if it comes into contact with your skin.

  • Throw away food that might have gone bad

  • Contact your family doctor if anyone in your family needs medical help or has health concerns after the storm

Important Emergency Resources

Remember to check and update your family's emergency plan regularly. Don't wait until a storm is coming to get supplies.

At Nest Health, we want to help keep your family safe and healthy. Call us at 866-222-NEST (6378) if you have questions about getting ready for hurricane season.