Hurricane Kit
Hurricane season begins June 1st, and lasts until November 30th.
You should have a completed hurricane kit before the season starts.
Inside your kit should be enough supplies to last you at least 72 hours, preferably one week.
You should check your kit and replenish the items every so often.
What To Bring In My Kit?
Student Specific Kit:
Don't forget to bring course materials with you, stored safely in binders with the rest of your personal belongings. Make sure you have your computers/electronic devices and charges so you can stay in contact with professors and receive updates from the university.
Whether you are residing on campus or living off campus, make sure to empty out your refrigerator and unplug it. Take with you items you need, then throw the rest away (take trash out afterwords). It is best to lay towels down around the base of the refrigerator so once it defrosts it won't leak all over your floor. Also unplug all devices connected to power (and cover them with plastic). Leave your windows and doors closed and locked. Do not leave any items on the floor, as they may get damaged if your room gets flooded.
Hurricane-related trauma contributes to psychological distress, P.T.S.D., grief, depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Studies found that 30-50% of people who survived Hurricane Katrina suffered from P.T.S.D.. After Hurricane Sandy, more than 20% of residents reported P.T.S.D., 33% reported depression, and 46% reported anxiety.
Hurricane Kits are essential to have in case you need to evacuate. Plus, preparing a kit is simple, and it could save your life. The items needed are fairly inexpensive and easy to assemble.
Since you don't know where you will be in case of an emergency like a hurricane, you should store your supplies in easy-to-grab places such as your home, work, and vehicle.
Preparing for a hurricane before it comes helps decrease stress, reduce sleeping difficulties, improve your finances, and provides you with better information on meal planning.
