Storm Isaias may be long gone, but the hurricane season is not over. It is critical that you stay prepared.
Have enough food, water, and other supplies for every member of your family to last at least 72 hours. Consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors and prescription medications. In addition, it is recommended that you add two cloth face coverings per family member and cleaning items to your kit, like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.
• Take stock in what you may have in your pantry, cabinets, and emergency supplies Review the contents of your kit if you haven’t done so in the past six months. Remove, use, or replace any food and water, prescription medications, and supplies before they expire.
• Thinking about a trip to the store? Home delivery is the safest choice for buying disaster supplies; however, that may not be an option for everyone. If in-person shopping is your only choice, take steps to prepare and protect your health and others’ when running essential errands.
• Shop responsibly for disaster supplies. Buy what your family needs and leave some—especially hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes and sprays—for others. Learn how to make a cloth face covering. Make at least two cloth face coverings per person, so that you can wear one while the other is dirty. Children under 2 years old and people who are having trouble breathing should not wear a face covering.
As you prepare, be mindful that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips and help to protect those who are unable to procure essentials in advance of the pandemic and must shop more frequently.