Preparation For Hurricane Florence: Storm Preparation Checklist, Kits, Emergency Supplies To Bring

Hurricane Florence is poised to strike South Carolina and North Carolina beginning Thursday—and those in the path of the storm should be prepared in myriad ways.

As of 2 p.m. EDT, Florence was a major Category 3 hurricane with sustained wind speeds of 125 mph and was moving northwest in the eastern Atlantic Ocean toward the Carolinas, according to the National Hurricane Center's latest model of the storm.

State officials in the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland and Washington D.C. declared a state of emergency and evacuations of coastal areas in the path of the storm were started as early as Tuesday. Along with evacuating, state officials warned residents about the best ways to stock up on supplies prior to the storm and even prepare to bring a drinking water supply to last up to a week.

The list below, created by officials at North Carolina's Department of Public Safety, includes important supplies for adults, children, the able-bodied and pets, as well as important supplies for a first-aid kit.

Basic Supplies

• Water - 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
• Food – non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Cell phone with charger
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener for food
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
• Wrench or pliers to turn off water
• Blanket or sleeping bag – 1 per person
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
• Extra house and car keys
• Important documents – insurance policies, copy of driver's license, Social Security card, bank account records
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash and change
• Books, games or cards

Unique Supplies

For Baby:

• Formula
• Bottles
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Pacifier
• Soap/Baby powder
• Clothing
• Blankets
• Canned food and juices

For Adults:

• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eyeglasses
• Dentures

First Aid Kit

• Two pairs of latex or other germ-free gloves (if you are allergic to latex)
• Germ-free bandages to stop bleeding
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towels
• Antibiotic cream
• Burn cream
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eyewash solution to flush the eyes
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-prescription drugs:

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Potassium Iodide (for those who live near nuclear plants; use only as ordered by the State Health Director)

Pets

• Canned or dry pet food
• Water for 3 to 7 days
• Food dishes
• Muzzle, collar and leash
• Immunization records
• An identification tag (should contain pet name and phone number)
• Current photos of your pets in case they become lost
• Medicine your pet requires
• Pet beds and toys
• Pet carrier
• Proper fitting muzzle