What to Include in A Dallas Hurricane Emergency Kit

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

Having your Hurricane Emergency Kit ready before the storm hits can save you valuable time. (Photo credit: FEMA)

What to Include in A Hurricane Emergency Kit

Start your emergency supply kit with what you already have at home and then shop for the rest.  Put items into waterproof ziplock bags and then place small items into a backpack. This will make your kit waterproof and easy to carry.

As you prepare your home for a hurricane, know that many other people will, too.  It’s best to stock up early to avoid a run on supplies. Home hardware stores and other retail stores tend to run out of food and supplies as many people in the community rush to prepare.

Don’t depend on your local store being able to restock soon.  If roads are damaged or flooded, stores may not be restocked frequently or at all throughout the duration of the storm.  This was very common during Hurricane Harvey when our own cleanup and restoration crews had to purchase and load our supply trailers with items from Dallas due to a shortage in Houston and Galveston.

Emergency Food Supply -- Food and Water

• 3 day supply of food that doesn’t need cooking e.g. canned food
• Can opener
• 1 gallon of water per day for each person
• Baby items e.g. food, bottles, formula, diapers

Emergency First Aid Kit and Medications

• DIY First Aid Kit
• Prescriptions
• Hand sanitizer and wipes
• Toilet paper and garbage bags
• Dental care and vision products
• Soaps
• Diapers
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• N-95 face masks in case of contaminated air - home hardware stores sell these

Family Emergency Communication Plan

Remember: during storms, text messages are more reliable than phone calls since phone lines are often overloaded.  This does not guarantee your text goes through, but it has a better chance of working.

• Battery operated radio or hand crank radio
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone batteries
• Car Charger
• Matches
• Whistle
• Glasses/sunglasses
• Completed emergency preparedness documents bag - place in a sealable plastic bag

Pet Emergency Kit

• 3 day supply of food, water, and bowls
• Medications
• Vaccination records and photos - place in a sealable plastic bag
• Crate
• Leash and toy
• Cat Litter with box

Are you Sheltering in Place?

Unless required to evacuate, many people choose to stay home and shelter in place.  Before the storm arrives, make sure to do the following:

• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have a fire extinguisher.
• Purchase plastic sheeting (we recommend 6mm) and duct tape to seal off doors, windows, and air vents in case of contaminated air.  There is specialty tape that will stick to most surfaces. Make sure to buy the right kind so you don’t run the risk of your containment coming off.
• Prepare your home ahead of time by bringing in loose, outdoor objects.  This will help you avoid windborne debris damage.
• Trim tree branches likely to fall onto your property.
• Clean gutters and drains.  When its raining hard, the water needs to have a place to go.  If your storm drains and gutters are clogged, that water will pool on your roof and eventually find its way into your home.  

If your property is prone to flooding and you have a second story, consider moving your valuables upstairs to keep them from being damaged.  During Hurricane Harvey, we met many homeowners who saved their home’s contents by doing exactly this.

Are you under a Dallas mandatory evacuation order?

Don’t wait until you’ve been ordered to go to start collecting your belongings.  Prepare ahead of time by having the following ready:

• Car repair tool kit
• Roadmaps
• Plastic plates, cups, and utensils
• Blankets, pillows
• Tent
• Clothes and waterproof shoes
• Rain gear
• Towels
• Toys, non-electronic

Other Emergency Preparedness Considerations

• Sign up for alerts from your county’s office of emergency management (OEM) for the latest storm news.
• Download the FEMA App for evacuation routes and shelter locations
• Complete a home inventory of your household items to help your insurance company's claim should a disaster happen.

Other Emergency Preparedness Considerations

• Build a hurricane emergency supply kit
• Build a DIY first aid kit
• Prepare a home inventory of your household items
• Create a family communications plan
• Sign up to receive alerts from your county’s office of emergency management and FEMA
• If you have a disability, consider signing up for the Texas Emergency Assistance Registry Program (STEAR)

Trusted Leader in Dallas Storm Damage Restoration

SERVPRO of North Irving is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company in Dallas Texas.  We have performed work in the Dallas community for over 30 years. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available to dispatch for 24-hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 986-7677.  Call us any time!

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.