Hurricane Kits

[Texas SpeedDiva]

Ok, it's already May and the "official start" of hurricane season is less than a month away. I figured with things the way they are now days, it wasn't too early to throw the list out there to remind us of things we might need or want to get to update our kits. Also remember to check back over the older threads with lots of great ideas and checklists we've shared in the past.


One new item for 2010 is a portable TV with replaceable AA batteries. It's the first one on the market:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3902971

reviews
http://www.radioshack.com/pwr/product-reviews/Home-Entertainment/Televisions/AUVIO/p/3902971-AUVIO-reg-3-5-Portable-Digital-TV.html

Other such TVs released in 2009 require AC power to charge the built-in batteries.

A new headlamp, the Petzl Tikka XP 2 (3 AAA batteries). It's VERY bright:
http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/produ ... 217402/N/0

Hurricane Kit/Ride Out Items:
1. Flashlight(s), Lantern(s) (1 per person)
2. Extra bulbs for flashlights / lanterns
3. Collapsible water containers (enough for 7 days at 1 gal/day per person)
4. Portable radio and/or TV (I have Auvio 3.5" that uses AA batteries)
5. Weather radio
6. At least 2 sets of extra batteries for all electronic devices
7. Digital antenna for TV (if you have a generator)
8. First aid kit
9. Corded telephone with long cord
10. Toolkit - hammer, screw drivers, pliers and assorted nails/screws
11. Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
12. Manual can opener
13. Battery-operated fan
14. Duct tape
15. Blue tarp (15x20ft) and 100ft rope or cord
16. Gloves
17. Eye protection glasses
18. Automobile power inverter
19. Rain gear (poncho/raincoat)
20. Matches / lighter
21. Pocket knife/multi-tool
22. Plastic garbage bags
23. 5-gal gas cans (2-4) for car/generator WITH funnel (if needed)
24. Disposable camera
25. Battery-powered alarm clock (can use cell phone)
26. Outdoor extension cords (2-3 50ft)
27. Small window AC unit
28. Generator and 4-8 quarts of extra oil
29. Whistle
30. Plastic sheeting
31. Tree saw / axe / hatchet

Personal Items:
1. Prescription medications (2-4 week supply)
2. Non-prescription drugs (aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever)
3. Mosquito repellent / sunscreen
4. Pet medications (2-4 week supply)
5. Pet cage (if traveling with pet)
6. Emergency phone numbers
7. Important documents (insurance/passports/Soc. Security card, medical records)
8. Home PC backup disks/drive
9. Moist wipes
10. $100-$300 in extra cash (small bills)
11. Extra set of car/house keys
12. Disposable diapers
13. Feminine supplies
14. Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap)
15. Toys/games for kids (deck of cards)

Food / Water:
1. Water – 1-2 gal/person for 7 days
2. Nonperishable food – enough for 7 days
a. Peanut butter
b. Bread
c. Canned goods (fruit/vegetables/soup/meat/tuna/beans)
d. Dried fruit
e. Powdered milk
f. Energy bars / breakfast bars
g. Snacks (cookies / crackers / chips / nuts / candy)
h. Boxed juices / energy drinks
i. Cereals
j. Dry & canned pet food
k. Baby formula
3. Camp stove and extra fuel
4. Ice chest(s)
5. Waterless soap
6. Extra charcoal/propane for BBQ pit
7. Disposable plates/cups/utensils/napkins
8. Salt/pepper/sugar
9. Aluminum foil
10. Garbage bags

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

Do you have a direct link to the tv? Thanks.

[Texas SpeedDiva]

Sorry about that BWW, I fixed the link

[ticka1]

I am getting a TV this week. I remember during IKE we could only get channel 11 the night of the storm but it keep me updated and I texted family members information all night long.

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

Ok, it's already May and the "official start" of hurricane season is less than a month away. I figured with things the way they are now days, it wasn't too early to throw the list out there to remind us of things we might need or want to get to update our kits. Also remember to check back over the older threads with lots of great ideas and checklists we've shared in the past.


One new item for 2010 is a portable TV with replaceable AA batteries. It's the first one on the market:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3902971

TSD: Did you get this tv? Did it come with a AC adapter or did you have to buy one for it?

[Squirrelmonkey]

My Kit:

MRE's (for after we cook all of the freezer food)
10 gallons of water (plus fill the tub with a tub bag)
.45 w/ 5 clips (you will never know the peace of mind this gave me after katrina)
Jump Boots (nail proof soles)
BDU pants (tough material that is light and comfortable to work in)

[Texas SpeedDiva]

BWW, this is the TV I got for my kit. I got it with my Extra Bucks and CVS cards and ended up paying around $19.99 for it.

It includes remote control, AC wall adapter, car adapter, and A/V cable as well as an antena that you can take off to fold it down flat.

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=481217&productId=481217&navAction=push&navCount=4&no_new_crumb=true

Munkie good items for the kit. I've got the MRE's and a 9 MM with several extra clips. Gave me some peace of mind after Ike.

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

Here's mine:


GET SUPPLIES: food, gasoline, batteries, materials to secure your home, and things you will need after the storm passes: bug spray, fire ant killer (the ants tend to build mounds at the highest point above water. This will help when you start your clean up), medicines, paper plates/cups/plastic forks, etc. If you are filling gas cans, be sure to put in the gas can something like Stabil or Pri-G to keep the stored gas clean and free from water. Also, store the gas in a safe and well-ventilated area and NOT IN YOUR HOUSE. Don't store or run a generator inside either. Run the generator outside. You can chain it to something permanent if you are concerned about thieves.
GET IMPORTANT PAPERS: insurance policies and cards, etc in a water-safe ziplock bag
WASH LAUNDRY: get all of your laundry done in case you are left with no power for a period of time after the storm
GET YOUR DISHES WASHED: same reason for getting your laundry done
FREEZE BOTTLES OF WATER: this will help keep your freezer cold and as the water melts, you'll have ice water
PLACE IMPORTANT ITEMS IN ONE LOCATION: you'll know where it all is in the event you need to get to it quickly
AS THE STORM SUBSIDES, CALL YOUR INSURANCE TO START A CLAIM: do this asap so you aren't at the bottom of the claims dept's list
CHECK FEMA SITE: asap as storm subsides in case you need to register and start a claim with them.
KEEP RECEIPTS FOR GENERATOR: if you buy a generator specifically for a storm, you can file with FEMA for reimbursement. I bought my generator for Ike on the Monday before the storm hit us. That was on a Friday into Saturday. I filed, and FEMA reimbursed me the full amount once I submitted the required paperwork and receipt.
DON'T WAIT FOR OTHERS TO PREPARE: get your cash, supplies, keep your vehicle tanks topped off. Don't be caught in the crowds.
CRANK YOUR AC DOWN AS LOW AS YOU CAN STAND IT a few hours before the storm hits. At least your house will be a little cooler if you lose power during the storm.


Please feel free to add to this list!

[Texas SpeedDiva]

FROM BIG JOHN HIS ADDITIONS:

A few adds to the items above. Make sure to get enough gas cans. As we learned after Ike, getting gasoline can be hard for more than a week so you could go through several cans.

Also, look beyond the storm. After Ike several people were without power for up to two weeks. You can buy a window AC for about $150 at Lowes or Home Depot which will keep one room cool. Try to get a unit that only cools. They only require 110 volt power which makes it safer and are cheaper. Texas in July without AC can be something no one really wants to face even of they have no big mess to deal with.

[ticka1]

What i found to be invalueable is one of those headlight lamps - kept my hands free but I had light when filling the generator at night and not trying to fight to see - put headlight on and filled it up and it was a snap.

YOu can get them at Lowe's and Home Depot for $15-$20 well worth it.

[HarvestMoon]

Set the freezer at it's lowest setting. And don't open it often to check on it. If you are the type of person that worries about it, then buy a ThermoWorks Fridge/Freezer Alarm Thermometer. http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt8100.html

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/images/RT8100-Fridge-Freezer-2.gif