Don’t wait until a storm is coming to make your emergency kit. Take the time now to get all of your essentials, such as food, water, and medicine.Make sure you get food that can be prepared even if you lose power in your home. You should have one gallon of water per person in your household per day for 7-10 days.

You will need at least 2 weeks’ worth of any prescriptions or medical supplies.

Try not to rush to the store right before a storm. If everyone waits until a storm is coming, large crowds at the store can disrupt supply lines and will make it more difficult to social distance. In addition to food, water, and medicine, make sure your kit also includes face coverings, sanitizer/disinfectant products, soap, and water. Ask yourself what equipment you need to use on a day to day basis. Prior to a storm, find all of your important documents and store them in a watertight container above any anticipated water levels in your home.

Take the time to prepare two kits: one for staying in your home, and one that is ready to go in case of an evacuation. Your home kit should include more food and water than your evacuation kit. If you need to evacuate, your kit should be easily transported and should contain any important documents in a waterproof container.