Hurricane Evacuation Guide

Disaster Supply List

Here is a shopping list of items to collect before a storm threat. Printer-friendly version  (PDF, 445 KB)

Try to have enough supplies to last at least three days.
 
Should you need to evacuate, it is a good idea for each person to have their supplies in an easy-to-carry bag, like a backpack or gym bag.

The commonwealth has enacted a Hurricane Preparedness Tax Holiday to help encourage citizens to assemble their emergency supplies. It is held annually during the last week in May.

Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov for more information about creating a disaster supply kit.

The list:

• Water, at least three gallons per person, for drinking and sanitation
  
  
• Food that does not need electricity for storage or for preparation
  
  
• Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  
  
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a weather alert radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
  
  
• Flashlight and extra batteries
  
  
• First aid kit
  
  
• Whistle to signal for help
  
  
• Prescription medications and eyewear
  
  
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter where you are
  
  
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  
  
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Additional items to consider:

• Items for infants and toddlers
  
  
• Items for pets, including veterinary records
  
  
• Local maps
  
  
• Copies of important family documents, such as insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  
  
• Cash in small denominations or traveler’s checks and change
  
  
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
  
  
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  
  
• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and sturdy shoes
  
  
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (when diluted in water, bleach can be used to kill germs)
  
  
• Fire extinguisher
  
  
• Matches in a waterproof container
  
  
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  
  
• Paper cups, plates and plastic knives, forks and spoons, paper towels
  
  
• Paper and pencil
  
  
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

  
For information about how to prepare for all types of emergencies, visit ReadyVirginia.gov.