From the Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Hurricane Season is here and there have already been a few formed Tropical Storms. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County wants to make sure you and your family are prepared. We encourage you to start gathering your supplies now.
To assist you, here are some tips:
MAKING AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
An emergency supply kit for your home or an evacuation should include items from seven basic areas: (1) water, (2) food, (3) first aid supplies and medications, (4) clothing and bedding, (5) tools and emergency supplies, and (6) important family documents. New this year is (7) COVID-19 supplies.
You will need a supply kit if you must stay at home. It is important to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. It is also valuable if you evacuate to a place other than a general public shelter or if you’re unsure of the shelter supplies. If possible, make arrangements to stay with a friend or relative who resides closest to your home and who will not have to evacuate. If a hotel or motel is your final intended destination during an evacuation, make reservations before you leave.
Tips for Making Your Kit
Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags.
Gather the kit’s items in easy-to-carry containers or duffle bags. Put kit within reach of your most regularly used exit.
Check and update your kit and family needs at least once a year.
Tips for Water & Food Supplies
A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water daily. Heat and intense activity can double this amount. Children, nursing mothers and those with special needs may require more.
Food preparation and sanitation require another two quarts (minimum) per person daily.
Purchased bottled water that has been sealed is best for storage. It meets FDA guidelines for food, is not as vulnerable to temperature changes as unsealed water and has no shelf life. (Some bottles do have expiration dates, but this is mainly for inventory control.) If for any reason you must disinfect water, use unscented bleach in the ratio of 8 drops per gallon, about 1/8 teaspoon, and let the mixture sit 30 minutes before use.
Choose compact, lightweight foods that do not require refrigeration, cooking or preparation and foods that use little or no water.
Hand washing with soap and water is extremely important. However, in the event water for hand washing is unavailable, use alcohol-based sanitizer.
DOH recommends at least a seven-day supply of food and water in your kit, including:
One gallon of water per person per day
Ready-to-eat canned foods, fruits and vegetables
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
Powdered milk and canned juices
High-energy snacks, non-perishables (protein or fruit bars, nuts, crackers, whole grains)
Food for infants and individuals with special needs
Comfort/stress foods
Pedialyte (to restore hydration if needed)
Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Non-electric can opener, cooking tools, utility knife
Pet food and extra water for your pet
For tools and emergency supplies, DOH recommends:
Cash or traveler’s checks, coins
Map of the area for locating shelters, local maps
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Battery-operated radio and flashlight, extra batteries
Cell phone with chargers
Fire extinguisher
Pliers or wrench to turn off household water and/or gas
Compass, signal flare, whistle and tube tent
Plastic sheeting, storage containers and bucket with tight lid
garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
Tape (duct, masking)
Candles and Matches in a waterproof container
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Aluminum foil
Toilet paper, moistened towelettes and towels
Soap, liquid detergent, disinfectant and unscented household chlorine bleach
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Infant supplies (diapers, bottles and pacifiers)
For clothing and bedding supplies, DOH recommends:
At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
Sturdy shoes, work boots, hats and gloves
A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Rain gear
DOH recommends having first aid kits for your home and cars, including:
A three-day supply of each person’s vital medications
Prescription drugs in original packaging (bottles)
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4–6)
2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Triangular bandages (3)
Latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
Cleansing agent, soap and moistened towelettes
Antiseptic and antibiotic ointment
Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Scissors, tweezers, needle and thermometer
Tongue depressors (2)
Non-prescription drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication, antacid and laxative
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent, with DEET when appropriate
Extra prescription glasses, sunglasses and/or contact lenses
Hearing aid and batteries
Personal items required to perform basic daily functions
DOH recommends copies of the following important family documents are kept in a waterproof, portable container within kits:
Insurance policies
Contracts and deeds
Stocks and bonds
Social Security cards and passports
Immunization records and prescriptions
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and company names and telephone numbers
Inventory of valuable household goods
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) and wills
Current photographs of family members
COVID-19 Supplies:
Face masks
Disinfectant wipes
Hand sanitizer
For further information on preparing for emergencies, please visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/index.html for the Florida Emergency Preparedness Guide or https://www.floridadisaster.org/.
The Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
