Emergency Preparedness Recommendations Summary
- What to Buy: Water, food, medical and hygiene supplies, lighting, power, documents & cash
- Documentation: Photos/videos of home/interior/exterior/store offsite
- Home Preparation: Secure roof, doors/windows, reinforce garage, clean gutters, prepare for flood & power loss
- Yard Preparation: Trim trees, secure or store outdoor items, check drainage
- Evacuation & Plan: Know routes, stay alert, fuel vehicles, designate meeting places
- Insurance & Community: Review coverage, consider upgrades, stay connected with neighbors
Emergency Preparedness Guide
Essential supplies and strategies to keep your family safe during emergencies
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What to Buy: Essential Supplies & Emergency Kit
Experts agree that having your emergency kit assembled well in advance is key:
Core Supplies (for home and evacuation)
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Water & Food: 1 gallon of water per person per day (3-day supply if evacuating, up to 2 weeks at home), plus non-perishable foods such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, dried fruits.
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Lighting & Power: Flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA preferred), portable charger or power bank.
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First Aid & Health: First aid kit, 7-day prescription medication supply, glasses/contact lenses, pet and baby essentials.
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Hygiene & Tools: Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, manual can opener, multi-tool, duct tape, plastic sheeting.
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Important Documents: IDs, insurance policies, medical records, stored in waterproof containers; include extra cash and emergency contact list.
💡 Extras to Consider
- Fuel for generators or vehicles, solar charger, manual can opener, fire extinguisher, entertainment items for children
- Juvenile or elderly-specific items like medication, mobility aids, eyeglasses, hygiene supplies, backup cash
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Photos and Documentation for Insurance
Documenting your home and belongings before a storm is essential for smooth insurance claims:
- Take photos and videos of every room—open closets, drawers, vehicles, and valuables
- Store these records off-site or digitally for safekeeping
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Additional Key Considerations
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Early Planning & Evacuation Strategy
- Watch and evacuate zones: Know local alerts, evacuation routes, and shelters. Plan backups and ensure vehicles are fueled or charged
- Family Emergency Plan: Establish meeting spots, communication channels, and share with all household members
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Insurance & Community Support
- Understand Your Insurance: Review coverages for wind, flood, and vehicle protection; flood insurance may require early enrollment
- Mitigation may reduce premiums: Upgrades like storm-rated shingles and impact windows can both protect and lower costs
- Build Community Networks: Strong neighborhood connections enhance resilience
Stay prepared, stay safe, and stay connected with your Florence community
