Six Things That Should be in a Hurricane Survival Kit
Hurricane survival kits are essential if you live near the coast. This hurricane season is predicted to be particularly active. The season generally begins June 1 and lasts until the last day of November. Some areas like Louisiana and Haiti are extremely vulnerable due to past natural disasters. The water is already unseasonably warm in the Atlantic which is causing some fear with weather forecasters.
There is also the unknown element of the massive BP oil rig accident. Experts are unsure of what will come of the hot oil in hurricane waters. Some theories have the slick making the water even hotter which will result in bigger, deadlier hurricanes that will bring a massive quantity of oil onshore. On the opposite end are the predictions that the oil sitting on top of the water will make it cooler, thus, mild and smaller hurricanes. In the wake of Colorado State University forecasting that the chance of a Gulf of Mexico hurricane has been increased to 44% this year, more oil skimmers have been sent to the Gulf to help with oil spill containment.
There are several basics to a survival kit:
* Water: Most people drink about 48 ounces of water per day. Summer heat without any electricity could double that amount. It is recommended that everyone have a gallon of water on hand per day for at least 3 days.
* Food: A supply of canned or non-perishable food is a must for at least 3 days, also. Be sure to stock snack items for little ones like raisins, crackers, bagged fruit chews, nuts, juice boxes, etc. While some of these things may not be particularly nutritious, it will keep them happy and that is one less thing to worry about in a time of crisis.
* First Aid: Band aids, bandages and alcohol are always needed. Medicines like pain relievers, stomach antacids, and prescribed meds should be fully stocked. Moist towelettes, soap and sunscreen should round out the list.
* Supplies: Batteries, flashlights, candles, hand can opener, fire extinguisher, cash (if the power is out, credit card machines will not work), tape, blankets, 3 days worth of clothes and underwear,a tarp, utility knife, matches, paper plates/cups, books and games for entertainment, toilet paper, feminine goods and unique supplies for babies, the disabled and the elderly should be gathered before hurricane season begins.
* Air-tight Plastic Bags: These are needed to place family documents such as passports, birth certificates, social security cards, immunization records, wills, stocks, phone numbers, invaluable pictures and items.
* Home Emergency Generator: People living in hurricane zones should invest in a good portable generator, especially if they have babies or are caregivers to the disabled or elderly. With just a small generator, lights can be turned on and refrigerators ran. These are luxuries that many find they can not live comfortably without. Hurricanes are sure to cause power outages that can last days to weeks. If this is a problem for your household, get a generator!
There is more information to be found here on renting generators [http://www.generatorrentalstore.com/help-should-i-rent-or-buy-a-generator/]. Visit us for generator tips [http://www.generatorrentalstore.com/category/emergency-generators/].
There is also the unknown element of the massive BP oil rig accident. Experts are unsure of what will come of the hot oil in hurricane waters. Some theories have the slick making the water even hotter which will result in bigger, deadlier hurricanes that will bring a massive quantity of oil onshore. On the opposite end are the predictions that the oil sitting on top of the water will make it cooler, thus, mild and smaller hurricanes. In the wake of Colorado State University forecasting that the chance of a Gulf of Mexico hurricane has been increased to 44% this year, more oil skimmers have been sent to the Gulf to help with oil spill containment.
There are several basics to a survival kit:
* Water: Most people drink about 48 ounces of water per day. Summer heat without any electricity could double that amount. It is recommended that everyone have a gallon of water on hand per day for at least 3 days.
* Food: A supply of canned or non-perishable food is a must for at least 3 days, also. Be sure to stock snack items for little ones like raisins, crackers, bagged fruit chews, nuts, juice boxes, etc. While some of these things may not be particularly nutritious, it will keep them happy and that is one less thing to worry about in a time of crisis.
* First Aid: Band aids, bandages and alcohol are always needed. Medicines like pain relievers, stomach antacids, and prescribed meds should be fully stocked. Moist towelettes, soap and sunscreen should round out the list.
* Supplies: Batteries, flashlights, candles, hand can opener, fire extinguisher, cash (if the power is out, credit card machines will not work), tape, blankets, 3 days worth of clothes and underwear,a tarp, utility knife, matches, paper plates/cups, books and games for entertainment, toilet paper, feminine goods and unique supplies for babies, the disabled and the elderly should be gathered before hurricane season begins.
* Air-tight Plastic Bags: These are needed to place family documents such as passports, birth certificates, social security cards, immunization records, wills, stocks, phone numbers, invaluable pictures and items.
* Home Emergency Generator: People living in hurricane zones should invest in a good portable generator, especially if they have babies or are caregivers to the disabled or elderly. With just a small generator, lights can be turned on and refrigerators ran. These are luxuries that many find they can not live comfortably without. Hurricanes are sure to cause power outages that can last days to weeks. If this is a problem for your household, get a generator!
There is more information to be found here on renting generators [http://www.generatorrentalstore.com/help-should-i-rent-or-buy-a-generator/]. Visit us for generator tips [http://www.generatorrentalstore.com/category/emergency-generators/].
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