Hurricane Preparation: Emergency Supply Kit

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, there is a 30% chance that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season will be busier than usual. NOAA predicts three to six major hurricanes this season. Hurricane season starts in June and ends in November; the season’s peak is mid-August. With threats of storms coming at any minute, an adequately packed hurricane emergency supply kit can be a lifesaver. 

Table of Contents

• How to Make an Emergency Supplies Kit for Your Home
• What To Have in Your Hurricane Emergency Kit 
• Important Papers to Keep Safe During A Hurricane
• Additional Recommended Hurricane Supplies
• Maintaining Your Emergency Supplies Kit
• Where To Store Your Emergency Supplies Kit
• Review Your Insurance Policy

A hurricane preparedness checklist can help you build an emergency kit. An emergency supplies kit is a collection of essential items your household may need in an emergency and is designed to last for at least 72 hours, but preferably up to 7 days. 

How to Make an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Home

Start with the essential supplies checklist (print out the complete TGS Hurricane Preparation Checklists and bring it to the store with you!). Then consider any additional circumstances that apply to your family, such as pets or young children. Once your purchase your supplies, keep the following in mind when building your kit:

• Store items in airtight plastic bags
• Put your entire kit into one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as a duffel bag, backpack, or plastic bin.

What To Have in Your Hurricane Emergency Kit 

Your emergency kit should have enough supplies for you and your family based on your needs. Navigating the procedures for emergency weather situations is complicated, not knowing whether to stay or evacuate, how to prepare items, and what you should and shouldn’t have. At TGS Insurance, we feel anxious when we see the storm growing in the gulf and want to help you feel more prepared for this hurricane season. The primary emergency supply kit should include the following items:

• Water (three gallons per person per day for several days for drinking and sanitation)
• Non-perishable foods (enough for at least seven days)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener
• Portable phone chargers and a backup battery
• Cash (to replace supplies if necessary)
• And more… 

For the complete list, download the TGS Emergency Kit Checklist.

Important Papers to Keep Safe During A Hurricane

With emergency weather comes the potential damage to your personal property and dwelling. You must have a way to protect important documents, like social security cards and birth certificates, so there is no concern about losing them to the hurricane. Some other recommended documents to take are:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Marriage Certificates
• Financial information (bank account numbers, credit card information)
• Medical records
• And more…

Additional Recommended Hurricane Supplies

Whether evacuating or riding out the storm, you want to keep life as normal as possible when dealing with emergency weather. Having your daily personal hygiene products, contacts, extra clothes, and things to do while you wait will make the scary storm a little more manageable. Here are some things we recommend:

• Hygienic products (dental care, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant)
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medicine such as pain relievers or anti-diarrhea medication
• Eyeglasses, contacts, and solution
• Baby formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
• Pet food
• Sleeping bag or blanket 
• Extra clothing
• Feminine hygiene items
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities to keep everyone entertained

Maintaining Your Emergency Supplies Kit

Once your kit is assembled, you must maintain it so it’s ready when you need it most. Keep canned food in a cool, dry place and replace expired items. Review your emergency supplies kit each year to ensure it’s updated with your family’s needs.

Where To Store Your Emergency Supplies Kit

Home: Have a designated location for your kit and ensure it is in an easy-to-reach place so you can quickly access it. Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the kit’s location.

Work: If you are at work when disaster strikes, be prepared to be there for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water, and other necessities such as medicines and comfortable walking shoes. 

Car: If stranded, have an emergency kit in your trunk.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Reviewing your home, windstorm, and flood insurance policies is a good idea when you update your emergency supplies kit. Each of these coverages protects other losses, so it’s essential to understand what covers what and make adjustments where needed. At TGS Insurance, our agents can assist in policy adjustments and ensure you get the best coverage for the lowest rate. From over 35+ carriers, we will find coverage that fits your needs and, most importantly, your budget. With TGS Insurance, purchasing insurance is simple, stress-free, and affordable!

Having an emergency kit in place for when a disaster strikes can help keep yourself and members of your household safe and protected. You never know how long you will be without running water and electricity, so it’s always a good idea to have one prepared should you need it.