How to build a hurricane preparedness kit

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Hurricane season is here, so the time is now to make sure your hurricane kit is fully stocked.

A basic emergency supply kit includes the following items:

• Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Pet food, leashes, crates, medications

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll also want to make sure you have gloves, masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and soap, especially if you need to go to a public shelter.