Build your own storm kit
The best way to cope with a weather-related emergency is to be prepared. Severe storms might leave you with no power and no water. They could lead to emergency evacuations or make roads impassable, so you can’t get to needed supplies.
You can be prepared by assembling a basic storm kit to carry you through emergency situations at home or in case of quick evacuations. The list below, based on recommendations from the American Red Cross, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the Centers for Disease Control, lists items to keep at the ready in case of emergency.
Decide how long a period you want to be prepared for; experts recommend at least three days, but you may wish to stock supplies for up to two weeks. The Red Cross suggests that water and food supplies be enough for three days in case of evacuation or two weeks for use within your home.
Check your emergency supplies every six months to refresh stored water, remove expired food, replace dead batteries and change outgrown kids’ clothes. Items that can spoil or be damaged by water should be kept in airtight bags.
Store your storm kit in a convenient location, and let family members know where to find it. You may also want to keep a smaller emergency kit in your car.
Water
At least one gallon per person, per day, for drinking, food preparation, hygiene, petsStore in unbreakable containersFood
Ready-to-eat, non-perishableCanned goods—meats, tuna, fruit, vegetablesDry goods—crackers, cereal, dried fruits, peanut butter, breakfast bars, nuts, candyBaby food and formulaTools
Flashlight(s) and extra batteriesMulti-purpose toolNon-electric can openerPlastic eating utensils and paper platesMatchesDuct tapeScissorsFirst-aid kit
Sterile gauze padsHypoallergenic adhesive tapeTriangular bandagesSterile roller bandagesTweezersNeedleAntisepticThermometerTongue bladesPetroleum jellySafety pinsCleansing agent/soapLatex glovesSunscreenPersonal care
MedicationsMedical supplies (hearing aids with batteries, glasses, contact lenses)Hand sanitizerPremoistened towelettesPersonal-hygiene itemsBaby-care itemsBlankets/sleeping bagsExtra clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoesCommunications
Battery-operated weather radio and extra batteriesPortable power bank to charge cell phonesList of emergency contacts, including your local electric co-opImportant papers
Birth certificatesPassportsInsurance policy informationBank account informationMedical recordsPhoto ID/driver’s licenseOther
CashPet food/suppliesToys/games/cards/books for entertainmentGas in carWhistle to signal for helpGarbage bagsRoad mapsJumper cablesTire-repair kit
Want to download a checklist for your storm kit?
It is important to keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of your family for at least three days. Assemble a Family Emergency Kit with items you may need in an emergency or evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as suitcases, duffle bags or covered storage containers. CLICK HERE for a downloadable checklist
Below are additional resources that offer emergency alerts, preparedness tips, weather updates and other helpful information when disaster strikes.
Weather resources
National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/The Weather Channel: https://weather.com/NOAA Weather Radio links: http://www.scemd.org/pio/noaaweather-radioDownloadable information guides
South Carolina Hurricane Guide: http://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/South Carolina Earthquake Guide: http://www.scemd.org/media/1009/sc-earthquake-guide.pdfSevere Winter Weather in South Carolina: http://scemd.cdn.missc.net/media/1008/sc-winter-weather-guide.pdfPreparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs (from American Red Cross and FEMA): http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240199_A4497.pdfOnline resources
Hurricane safety tips and resources: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane/index.shtmlMobile apps for disaster notifications, updates, preparedness: http://www.redcross.org/gethelp/prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-appsAmerican Red Cross disaster recovery guides: http://www.redcross.org/gethelp/disaster-relief-and-recovery/recovery-guidesHelp after a disaster (FEMA): https://www.disasterassistance.gov/