NEWSROOM
Stock
Up On Hurricane Supplies Now
June
1, 2006
With this year’s
hurricane season starting, LSU AgCenter experts say stocking up
on supplies now makes sense.
"Don’t wait
until a storm is approaching to get batteries, flashlights, nonperishable
food and other things you’ll need if the power goes out,"
Dr. Paul Coreil, vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter, says. "Start
now. It will be a lot easier if you shop for supplies early rather
than getting caught up in the last-minute rush at the stores."
LSU AgCenter experts
point out you will need some basic supplies just to survive during
and after a storm, and depending on the severity of the storm,
you may need supplies that will last for several days.
"After a hurricane,
you could be housebound for as much as a week or longer, probably
with no electricity," LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness
associate Pat Skinner says. "Water may be off or contaminated.
Stores may be closed. Gas stations may not be in operation. Restaurants
may not be open."
The same types of rules
apply if you have to evacuate. You’ll still need some basic
supplies, since an evacuation more than likely will mean spending
hours in the car and nights away from home.
"Either way, you’ll
need some nonperishable food and enough water for everyone,"
Skinner says. "You’ll also want to have some other
basic supplies, and you can shop for most of those now and store
them until they’re needed."
Some of the supplies
you may need include flashlights and extra batteries; hurricane
lamps or lanterns (avoid candles); a portable radio and extra
batteries; first-aid kit; insect repellent; matches; ice chest;
disposable cups, plates and utensils; disposable towelettes; and
prescription medications.
The experts also say
you should have at least a three-day supply of food and water
for each person. That means at least 2 quarts of water –
a gallon is preferable – per person each day. As for food,
choose foods that require little or no cooking and no refrigeration,
and buy them in sizes appropriate for one meal with no leftovers.
You also can keep low-volume, high-energy foods, such as granola
bars, raisins and peanut butter, on hand.
"Don’t forget
to have a manual can opener on hand. Otherwise, you won’t
be able to open canned foods when the power is out," Skinner
cautions.
LSU AgCenter experts
also say to consider any special dietary needs and to be sure
to have items such as baby food and diapers on hand, if you need
them.
"Keep your pets
in mind, too, because they’ll also need to be fed and to
have water," Skinner says.
Although they aren’t
necessities, you also may want to consider buying an electric
generator to meet your emergency power needs. "This is particularly
important if you must operate medical equipment continuously,"
Skinner says, adding, "It also is a way you can protect your
investment in frozen foods."
Camp stoves or barbecue
grills also can help with cooking, according to the experts. Just
be sure you have enough fuel on hand – and use them outdoors
only.
"Most of the items
you’ll need have a long shelf life, but they disappear from
stores quickly when hurricane warnings are issued," Skinner
says. "That’s why it’s important to gather these
supplies now – before a storm is approaching.
"Doing so also
allows you to concentrate on the other preparations you’ll
need to be making as the storm approaches."
LSU AgCenter experts
point out that until last year’s experience with hurricanes
Katrina and Rita, most Louisiana residents had been sideswiped
but not hit head-on by a major hurricane. As a result, many people
didn’t prepare or heed warnings.
"Much of the damage
and loss of life associated with hurricanes can be prevented or
reduced by planning, preparation and evacuation," Coreil
points out. "Planning may save your life or your pet’s
life or help you to salvage something else you hold dear.
"At any rate,
it definitely will help you to sleep easier through the hurricane
season. And it probably will help to reduce damage to your home,
help you cope during the storm and help you recover more easily
after a storm."
For more information
on preparing for storms and hurricanes, visit www.lsuagcenter.com
and click on the related links listed under "Features"
on that page.
<<
Back to 2006 News Page
