Hurricane season is upon us again, and even though we haven’t had any significant weather so far, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be prepared. The weather has been very different over the past couple of years, and we’ve seen some strange weather pop up in some of the most unexpected places. Being prepared for any emergency is really the best way to go, and Walmart can make hurricane preparation quite easy! They have just about everything you need in one store!
First thing you need is a check list like this one from FEMA. It tells you everything you should have in your emergency supply kit.
My suggestion is to get a big water resistant container, like these from Rubbermaid. Get a few so you don’t have to fill them so full. You’ll want to keep them off the ground if possible.
You’ll also need your local Emergency Contact information. Ready.gov has an easy way to find all of that info. Just click on your state, and it will bring up your state and local emergency contact information! Don’t forget to collect the following information as well:
- County Law Enforcement
- County Public Safety Fire/Rescue
- State, County and City/Town Government
- Local Hospitals
- Local Utilities
- Local American Red Cross
- Local TV Stations
- Local Radio Stations
- Your Property Insurance Agent
My suggestion: Print it off, and laminate it before putting it into your emergency kit. Another good idea is to print off a Family Emergency Plan and laminate that as well.
Check evacuation routes. Make sure that you are able to get out if needed, and check flood routes as well.
The rest of the supplies, you can find at your local Walmart stores!! Buy early and be prepared! Don’t wait for a storm to come near! That’s when everyone else starts shopping, and you’ll find the shelves more or less empty!
Water- One gallon of water, per person, per day, for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food- At least a three day supply of non perishable food per person.
Battery Powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
Flashlight and extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask– to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if your kit contains canned food)
Local area maps.
Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula & diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Sleeping Bag, or warm blankets for each person.
Three days worth of clothes for each person.
Household cleaning products, including plain chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper.
Matches kept in a waterproof container
Feminine products and personal hygiene items
Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pen/pencil
Books, games, puzzles and other activities for children.
You can also listen in to my Blog Talk Radio Show where I interviewed NBC Correspondent Kerry Sanders who has reported on many hurricanes, from Katrina to Hugo. He gives some great advice for getting ready for the big storms!
There is a lot to put together, but if you label everything in those bins, you should find yourself quite prepared if that storm rolls in.
You can find all of these things at great low prices at your local Walmart!
I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart provided me with compensation for my time and efforts on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
