Food & Supply Checklists

Putting together a hurricane "survival kit"? Here's a 3-day and 14-day checklist of items you'll want to include. Be sure to check out some video of some items you might not realize you will need if you're without food, clean water or electricity.

3-Day Supply Kit

Start with an easy to carry, watertight container -- a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather up the following items and place them in your kit:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day. Fill plastic containers, such as soft-drink bottles.

• Water purification kit or bleach (use 8 drops of regular bleach per gallon of water.

• Essential medications

• First-aid book and kit that includes:
  
  - 20 emergency bandages of various sizes
  - 1 5 x 9 sterile dressing
  - 1 roll of self-adhering elastic bandage
  - 4 various sized sterile gauze pads
  - 1 roll of 3” cohesive bandage
  - Waterless alcohol-based sanitizer and wipes
  - Medical grade non-latex gloves
  - Adhesive tape, 2-inch width
  - Anti-bacterial ointment
  - Cold pack
  - Small scissors
  - Tweezers
  - CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
  - Non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers)

• Ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals, fruits and vegetables, canned or box juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, bread and special dietary items.

• Non-electric can opener

• Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices

• Food, water, leash and carrier for pets (If you plan to go to a shelter, remember that most do not allow pets. Make other plans for your pets.)

• Sanitary Items:

- Large plastic trash bags for waste and to use as tarps and rain ponchos
- Large trash cans
- Towelettes
- Bar soap and liquid detergent
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Toilet paper
- Household bleach for cleaning
- Rubber gloves

• Blanket or sleeping bag per person

• Battery-powered, portable radio or portable TV and plenty of extra batteries

• Flashlight and extra batteries
  Extra pair of eyeglasses

• Extra house and car keys

• Fire extinguisher (ABC-type)

• Cash and change

• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

14-Day Supply Kit

The experiences of Hurricanes Hugo, Bertha and Fran have taught North Carolinians to be prepared to live without utilities and basic services for two weeks or more. In addition to the three-day supply kit, these supplies will be helpful for 14 days without electricity or running water:

• Disposable plates, cups, utensils

• Plastic garbage bags

• Mosquito repellent

• Cooler

• Ice

• Toiletries

• Detergent for dishes and clothes

• Clothesline and clothespins

• Games, such as cards, and quiet toys

• Duct and masking tape

• Rolls of plastic

• Lantern and fuel (not candles)

• Gloves and goggles

• Small tools

• Cleaning supplies

• Brooms and mops

• Pails and buckets

• Ladders

• Plywood and nails

• Rakes and shovels

• Chain saw, gas and oil

• Wheelbarrow

• Battery-operated clock

• Butane lighter or matches

• Axes, hatchets, pruners

• Rope