September is typically a mild weather month, but unfortunately it's also a time when hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions can pop up. With that in mind, it's a good time to review the items you should keep in your emergency kit.
Some of the items the Red Cross says you absolutely need include:
- A plan for your pet. Evacuate early with your pets. Have food, pet carriers, leashes, and water.
- Water, one gallon per day per person; three days’ worth for an evacuation.
- Non-perishable food items, same guidelines as for water. Take a can opener.
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, preferably a NOAA weather radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit that includes prescription medicines
- Cell phones with chargers
- Extra cash (remember that ATMs and other machines often won't work) and credit cards
- Documents, including insurance papers, ID, deed or lease to the home, proof of address and medication list
- Emergency contact info
- Emergency blankets
- Map of the area (cell phone service, including GPS, could be lost)
