What should an emergency kit have in case of a hurricane?

Earlier this year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season could be busier than usual after recording above-average sea temperatures. So far, however, there have been relatively few major storms to reach the United States and thankfully those that did have caused little damage.

However that looks set to change as we enter the peak of hurricane season and analysts are warning that major storms could pose a threat in the coming weeks. A formation known as Tropical Depression Nine is developing in the central Caribbean and looks set to become the next named tropical storm.

Meteorologists from AccuWeather say that it could represent the first major threat to the US this season if it continues its trajectory from the Caribbean into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, bearing down on Florida.

FEMA recommends gathering an emergency hurricane kit

People in coastal areas are advised to have an emergency hurricane kit on hand in case a storm does escalate into a major incident. Despite the best efforts of forcasters tropical storms can be extremely unpredictable and having the essentials kept together can save vital minutes.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued guidance on what to keep in your hurricane emergency kit. They recommend gathering most of the items in an easy-to-carry bag that you can take if you need to evacuate, but you may need to keep some of the bulkier items (food and water) separate.

Here’s FEMA’s suggestions for an emergency hurricane kit:

• Water, one gallon per person per day (keep a 3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

• Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food (keep a 3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

• Flashlight

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Batteries

• First aid kit

• Medication and medical items (7-day supply)

• Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phone, charger and battery pack

• Family and emergency contact information

• Cash, in case ATMs are out of use

• Extra fuel for generator and car, be extremely carefully storing

Depending on your family’s requirements, you should also consider bringing baby supplies, pet supplies and spare keys for your house and car. Less important but potentially still useful are towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors and work gloves.