Tips in preparing for a hurricane
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on September 7, 2017 5:50 AM
With the possibility of Hurricane Irma affecting North Carolina, the American Red Cross is offering tips to make sure you are prepared.
"Everybody should have a kit," said Kathy Jones, Red Cross disaster program specialist for Lenoir, Wayne and Greene counties. "You can put whatever items you want in it. Or the Red Cross has a list of recommended items."
The Red Cross recommends putting these items in your kit:
* Bottled water -- at least a three-day supply of one gallon per person
* Food -- at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods per person
* Flashlight/batteries
* Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
* First aid kit
* Medications -- a seven-day supply, and medical items such as hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contacts, syringes, cane
* Multi-purpose tool
* Sanitation/personal hygiene items
* Copies of personal documents, pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passport, birth certificate, insurance policy
* Cellphone/chargers
* Family and emergency contact information
* Extra cash
* Emergency blanket
* Map of the area
* Baby supplies such as bottles, formula, baby food, diapers
* Pet supplies such as collar, leash, ID, food, water, bowl
* Tools/supplies for securing your home
* Extra set of car keys and house keys
* Extra clothing, a hat and sturdy shoes
* Insect repellent and sunscreen
* Camera for photos of damage
For more information on how to prepare for Irma, visit readyNC.org.