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How to Prepare for a Storm: 14 Reminders

Satellite view of Hurricane Sandy on October 28, 2012, by NASA’s Earth Observatory.

by James Hubbard, MD, MPH

My prayers go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy and the “Frankenstorm.” Below, I’ve listed some tips on how to prepare for a storm such as this.

  1. Stock up on nonperishable food and water for a week or longer. At a minimum of two gallons of water per person per day, that’s fourteen gallons per person.
  2. Clean your bathtub out and fill it up with water.
  3. Fill any empty, clean containers with water.
  4. Have candles, matches, or a lighter; a workable battery-operated radio; a flashlight; and spare batteries on hand.
  5. Make sure you have a ten days or more of any prescription medicine.
  6. Print out my emergency supply list, and check off the items. Add ideas of your own.
  7. Feel free to print any of my posts for your personal use. I like to print them in PDF form. You can find that option after you click your browser’s print tab.

    In case you need to evacuate:

  8. Fill your car with gas.
  9. Listen to your radio or television for local instructions.
  10. Pack your bags and prepare your pets early. This takes time, and you’re less likely to forget things if you don’t wait until the last minute.
  11. If you must leave, don’t forget your prescription medicines and anything over-the-counter you’re likely to need.
  12. Don’t forget to put blankets, snacks, and water in your car.
  13. I have a post on some small item ideas that won’t take up much room in your bag.
  14. Try your best to stay calm. It helps you think clearly and avoid accidents.

If anyone has other helpful ideas or comments, please share them below.

  • serachbracha richards

    Whenever I am prescribed a new medication, I ascertain the earliest possible date my insurance will ok a refill, so that after the first few refills, I have a good buffer and will not be caught short (hopefully just in case a vacation trip comes during a regular refill time and not an environmental emergency).

    • http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

      Thanks, Serachbracha.

  • Fran

    maybe the physician has samples at his office?

    • http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

      Good idea, Fran.

  • Liadan

    How do you get medications? My mom’s insurance and doctor won’t give her an emergency supply to keep in a bug-out bag. She’d have to just depend on her usual supply. If there is a problem for a month or more, or if its near the end of the month, she can’t get any more.

    • http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

      Liadan, before a severe storm, surely most doctors would okay an early refill. The insurance, though, probably won’t cover it and you’ll have to pay out of pocket. To plan for the future, I’d try to get the meds refilled a few, say three, days early. Stock the excess few. After a few times of doing this, you’d have a week or two extra, at least.