- Battery operated flashlights are fine if the power is out for a short time. The new LED flashlights work well, as long as a spotlight isn’t needed.
- After a couple of days you will need candles for light. Buy big decorative candles that will burn for days. Keep lanterns/candles in frequently used locations, such as the bathroom counter, next to the door, and on your bedroom nightstand.
- Battery-operated radio
- Canned goods and can opener, fruits and vegetables and other foods that do not require refrigeration.
- Water (at least one gallon daily per person with a seven-day supply). You can also fill up bathtubs if you close or seal the drains.
- Bleach. In the event that water enters your home, you will need to get it out and then kill any microbes that remain.
- Take highly valued items with you or, for those items staying in the home, wrap in plastic or place in plastic bags. Even if you are riding out the storm, consider placing photos, insurance papers and other important papers in sealed bags.
- Corded phone. Even if your electricity is out, your telephone may still work. Cordless phones still require electricity, so plug in a corded phone, and you may be surprised.
- Cell phone and extra charged batteries.
- A DC to AC inverter.
- Pre-moistened towelettes.
- Battery-powered fans will be very appreciated if the power is out.
- Lots of batteries of all sizes (you can always use later what is not used during the storm). Keep all batteries in the refrigerator when storing. They keep fresh that way. Make sure each person has his or her own flashlight and battery supply, in case you have to separate.
- A good supply of all prescription drugs.
- A first-aid kit.
- Plenty of flashlights. Candles are okay too as long as you follow some basic safety rules such as attending to them at all times.
- Plenty of large plastic garbage bags to dispose of human waste and other garbage.
- Supply of Toilet Paper, and other toiletries as needed.
- At least one 5-gallon bucket and cat litter (the bio-degradable kind) for toilet use.
I found this document today, I wrote it for my other website for just in case of natural disasters in 2006.
