Disaster preparations: How to prepare for a Hurricane

Like many East Coasters I have not had the experience of living through a Hurricane. They occur every 30 or 40 years and we tend to think that we are safe, especially in New Jersey. As the Hurricane moves towards us and the state moves into 'emergency' mode, there are some things that we can do to ensure maximum safety. Here are some brief tips:

• The first thing to do is to ensure that all loose outside furniture in toys are secured or placed in side.

• Move cars away from areas where trees could fall or that are susceptible to floods on them or park them in a garage.

• Ensure all outdoor pets are in the house.

• Form an 'evacuation' plan and let all your immediate family know the plan – be aware that electric and cell phone usage may be affected so have a per-determined escape route and rendezvous point.

One of the most important things you can do is create an Emergency Kit – while you may never use it, it's a good idea to have one ready for any emergency.

Recommended items:

• Water – you will need one gallon of water per person per day – this will be used for drinking and sanitation. You should have a three day supply of water.

• Food – have a three day supply of non-perishable food. Bear in mind that you may not have electricity or gas for several days and therefore the food should be pre cooked.

• Pet Food and water – extra food and water for your animals.

• Battery powered radio – while many people have cell phones with radio apps, it's possible that you won't have electricity – therefore it's very important to have a radio so you can listen to any emergency notifications. As a last resort you will have the ability to use a car radio for a limited time.

• Flash light and extra batteries – this is very important especially if the storm occurs at night and the lights go out. If you don't have a flash light make sure you have a good supply of candles.

• First aid kit – this should be a fairly good one that includes bandages, antiseptic creams, band-aids and other essential first aid items.

• Whistle – just in case you are trapped and have to whistle for help.

• Mask – a dust mask will help filter contaminated air.

• Plastic Sheeting and duct tape – ideal to cover windows should you need to filter air

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, ties – very important for sanitation purposes – hygiene is very important during any extended emergency

• Wrench and pliers – just in case you need to turn off utilities – for example if you suffer a ruptured gas pipe.

• Can opener – to enable you to open the canned goods you should have already stock-piled

• Cell phone solar charger – not essential but useful for charging a cell phone during periods without electric.

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches – keep in water proof container.

Non-essential:

• Spare eye-glasses

• Cash – always a good idea to have some cash to be able to buy emergency supplies.

• Family documents – insurance policies, bank account statements and other important records – keep in a water tight container.

• Sleeping bags

• Change of clothing

• Household bleach – you can dilute this with nine parts water, one part bleach and create a disinfectant.

• Fire extinguisher

• Paper cups and plastic utensils

• Books, games and puzzles

• Other hygiene items such as diapers, feminine supplies etc.