As Hurricane Florence Continues to Track Toward the East Coast, Now Is the Time to Start

As Hurricane Florence continues to track toward the east coast, now is the time to start preparing for any potential impacts that could be felt here in the east later this week.

WITN has put together a checklist of supplies you'll want to have on hand at least two days before the storm makes landfall.

Supplies:

• A watertight plastic bin or trash can that is easy to carry to store all your items in one place.
• Water. You will want one gallon per person per day.
• Non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, trail mix and any special dietary foods.
• Manual can opener
• One week supply of medications kept in a sealed plastic bag.
• Enough cash to last a week. Remember, if you lose power, ATM’s will not be working.
• First aid kit: bandages, gauze pads, alcohol-based sanitizer and wipes, adhesive tape, anti-bacterial ointment, small scissors, tweezers, etc.
• Sanitary items such as shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, trash bags, towels, feminine hygiene supplies, etc.
• Batteries and flashlights
• Blankets
• Change of clothes
• Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, baby wipes, disposable diapers
• Pet supplies: leash, food, water, carrier. Remember to make the proper arrangements for your pet if you are evacuating/ heading to a shelter, as most shelters do not allow pets.
• Portable phone chargers and car chargers
• Books, games, cards

Paperwork:
• Driver’s license, photo ID
• Emergency contact list, even if your contacts are stored in your phone. You never know when the battery may die and you will need access to numbers you do not have memorized.
• Insurance policies (health, home, auto)
• Bank account information (account numbers, passwords)
• Photocopies of credit and debit cards

You will want to keep all of your paperwork in a waterproof bag. It’s also a good idea to keep any important documents on a flash drive or take photos of them on your phone.

Make a plan:

Consider what emergencies could happen where you live and put together a plan by asking the following:

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/ household communication plan?

Consider specific needs in your household, including dietary, medical, disabilities, age, languages, etc.

If you are evacuating, review your plans so every family member is informed and knows where the shelters are located. Make hotel reservations, if necessary.