Emergency Supply Kit

Try to have enough supplies to last at least three days. Keep in mind that if you need to evacuate for a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane, you may not be able to return home for more than a week.

Each person should have their supplies in an easy-to-carry bag, such as a backpack or gym bag.

Visit www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia for more information about creating an emergency supply kit.

Virginia has enacted a Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to encourage residents to assemble their emergency supplies. It is held annually during the last week in May.

Put these essentials in your kit:

• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned goods and packaged foods
  
  
• Water, one gallon per person per day
  
  
• A working battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  
  
• A written family emergency plan

Once you have the essentials, you should add:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
  
  
• First-aid kit and extra contact lenses or glasses
  
  
• A written list of your prescriptions, allergies and prescribing doctor(s) and at least a week’s supply of medications
  
  
• Sanitation supplies: toilet paper, soap, plastic garbage bags and personal hygiene items
  
  
• Change of clothing, sturdy shoes
  
  
• Blanket or sleeping bag, pillows, sheets
  
  
• Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  
  
• Whistle to signal for help
  
  
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter where you are
  
  
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  
  
• 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, traveler’s checks and change
  
  
• Emergency reference material, such as a first-aid book
  
  
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (when diluted in water, bleach can be used to kill germs)
  
  
• Fire extinguisher
  
  
• Sunscreen
  
  
• Matches in a waterproof container
  
  
• Paper cups, plates and plastic knives, forks and spoons, paper towels
  
  
• Paper and pencil
  
  
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
  
  
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
  

Don’t forget to gather supplies for your pet:

• Medications, immunization records and a first-aid kit
  
  
• Sturdy leashes, muzzles, harnesses
  
  
• Carriers or cages to transport pets safely. Carriers should be large enough for your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Include blankets or towels for bedding and warmth.
  
  
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
  
  
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener
  
  
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian
  
  
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

 

Traditional or non-cordless telephones – also known as landlines – don’t require electricity to operate. Keep one available in your home for use during power outages.

 

  
For information about how to prepare for all types of emergencies, visit www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia