Hurricane Preparedness Week highlights the critical importance of assembling a disaster supply kit and planning for severe weather. In a concise interview, Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, shares practical steps families can take to be ready for hurricanes.
This post summarizes his guidance and offers a clear, action-oriented checklist to help households tailor preparedness to their own needs.
Hurricane Preparedness Week: A Call to Action for Families
During hurricane season, knowing how to respond before a storm arrives is essential. Schlegelmilch emphasizes that a well-stocked, customized disaster supply kit forms the foundation of resilience.
Beyond the kit, outages-that-last-weeks-after-a-hurricane/”>planning for outages, communications, evacuations, and protecting important documents significantly lowers risk and accelerates recovery.
Build a Customized Disaster Supply Kit
Every household should tailor its kit to personal and family needs while covering the basics. The goal is to have essential items readily accessible for at least several days after a hurricane or severe weather event.
- Water — at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days, plus a means to purify additional water if needed
- Nonperishable food and a manual can opener (think shelf-stable items, snacks for kids and pets, and easy-to-caste meals)
- Medications and a prescription copy in case refills are delayed
- First-aid supplies and basic safety gear (gloves, antiseptics, bandages, thermometers)
- Backup power sources such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and spare batteries; consider a portable power bank for mobile devices
- Emergency communication plan and a list of contacts (including out-of-area contacts)
- Important documents (identification, insurance policies, medical records) stored in a waterproof container
- Cash in small denominations — ATMs and cards may be unavailable
- Items tailored to your family, such as baby supplies, pet needs, and accessibility aids
The kit should live in an accessible, cool, dry location and be reviewed regularly. Replacements should be scheduled for items nearing expiration.
Planning Beyond the Kit: Power, Communication, and Routes
In addition to the physical supplies, safeguarding communication and knowing how to evacuate are critical components of preparedness. Schlegelmilch notes that back-up power sources and clear evacuation plans substantially reduce risk during outages and extreme weather events.
Power and Communication During Outages
Outages are common after hurricanes, so a practical plan is essential.
Consider:
- Safe use and storage of generators or solar chargers, including fuel handling and ventilation precautions
- Portable power banks and cell phone charging strategies to stay connected
- A battery-powered radio for weather alerts and emergency information
- An emergency contact plan so family members know how to reach each other
Evacuation Routes and Shelter Options
Knowing where to go when an evacuation is issued can save lives.
Practical steps include:
- Identify evacuation routes and practice them with the family
- Know the location of local shelters and understand any pet policies or accessibility needs
- Arrange alternative transportation options in case primary plans fail
Protecting Documents and Insurance: A Simple Checklist
Preserving critical documentation and understanding coverage is an often-overlooked element of preparedness. The goal is to avoid delays and gaps in recovery after a storm.
Personal Readiness and Insurance Coverage
- Review insurance policies (homeowners, renters, flood, and business) and confirm coverage limits, deductibles, and timelines for claims.
- Store essential documents in a waterproof, portable container.
- Keep digital backups in a secure cloud or encrypted drive.
- Update contact information for insurers, banks, and service providers.
- Share updated contact information with trusted family members.
Here is the source article for this story: Things to keep in disaster supply kit during severe weather, hurricane season | Latest Weather Clips