Preparation: The Key to Weathering the Storm in The Bahamas
Hurricane preparation is not a one-size-fits-all activity. You and your family are unique, and your approach to hurricane preparation should consider your family’s specific needs. To come up with the best plan, you should involve your entire family in the planning process.
Before the start of the hurricane season, you should have the following items:
- Hurricane Supply Kit
- A "Go Bag" for each Family Member
- Family Evacuation Plan
Hurricane Supply Kit
A basic hurricane supply kit should include the following:
- Water: one gallon per person daily (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Manual Can Opener
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Battery-powered, solar-powered, or hand-crank radio with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife
- Small Hatchet (for the home only, to allow for escape through the roof)
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with backup power bank
- Family and emergency contact information
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Extra cash (ATMs might be down or not accessible)
Once you have the basic items, consider your family’s unique needs. Is there an infant in the family? You will need items such as diapers, formula, baby wipes, hand sanitiser, etc. Seniors also have special needs, which may include extra medication, a cane, and eyeglasses. You will also want to consider the needs of family pets.
Do you have everything? Download our Hurricane Supply Kit Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Pack Your Go Bag
We live in uncertain times. Disasters can strikequickly and unexpectedly. Preparation is the key to your family’s survival. A great preparedness tool is a “go bag.”
This handy kit, named for the fact that it should always be ready for you to pick it up and “go” in the event a disaster strikes suddenly, should be something each member of your family owns.
You can create a simple “go bag” for each member of your family by packing a lightweight backpack or duffel with the following items:
- Water one gallon 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, solar-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery bank
You may consider including the following items to your go bag based on your individual and family’s needs:
- Cloth face covering (for everyone aged 2 and older)
- Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, passports, and other identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencils
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Do you have everything? Download our Hurricane Supply Kit Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
