Community Corner

Be 'Harvey' Ready: Pack Emergency Kit

Your pets need a disaster supply bag, too. See what you should include.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – As Tropical Storm Harvey hits the Louisiana area, being prepared with proper supplies for your family and pets is key to weathering possible flooding or evacuations.

The American Red Cross recommends keeping supplies in an easy-to-carry bag or kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

At a minimum, the Red Cross advises, you should have these basic supplies:

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  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home).
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items
  • Multi-purpose tool, such as a Swiss army knife.
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Maps of the area

  • Top 10 Items You Need In Your Hurricane Emergency Kit


    The Red Cross also offers these suggestions:

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  • Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Games and activities for children
  • Two-way radios
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Manual can opener
  • Here's the latest on what you need to know about the storm: (For more information on Harvey and other Louisiana stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

    Additional supplies that the Red Cross recommends to keep at home or in your survival kit:

  • Whistle
  • Surgical masks
  • Matches
  • Rain gear
  • Towels
  • Work gloves
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Household liquid bleach
  • Entertainment items
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

  • Pet owners also should prepare a supply kit, preferably in an easy-to-carry backpack or duffel bag in case you need to evacuate quickly, according to animal activists at Alley Cat Allies.

    The organization recommends disaster kit basics for pets to include:

    • Pet first-aid kit
    • Supply of prescription medications for pets. Make note of expiration dates.
    • Veterinary and microchip ID records.
    • Pet food — three to seven days' worth — and dishes.
    • Litter box and litter.
    • Leash and collar.
    • Crate or carrier; pillow case or other item in case you need to quickly grab your pet to leave.
    • Blankets or towels.
    • Photos of pets in case they need to be identified.
    • Bottled water — a seven-day supply per pet.

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