How to make a hurricane preparedness kit for under $100 - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

How to make a hurricane preparedness kit for under $100

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LELAND, NC (WECT) - On the first day of hurricane season, we set out to make our own hurricane preparedness kit for under $100.

We started at Piggly Wiggly in Leland with an empty shopping cart and a check list from the WECT Hurricane Survival Guide.

The canned food went into the buggy first...enough to last three to seven days.  Even though a hurricane only passes over an area for a limited time, first alert meteorologist Colin Hackman says the real need to be prepared comes after the storm has passed.

He explained that's the crucial time when many people end up without electricity and with no way to get to the store for several days.

"It can get chaotic," said Dan Teachey, who has been in the grocery business for three decades.

He said Piggly Wiggly is swamped with procrastinators just before every single storm.

"They play it out 'til the last minute, until there's no other option than to start stocking up," said Teachey.

But there's always an option to stock up ahead of time.  As for our hurricane kit, we added one gallon of water per person, per day.  We also included batteries, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, and much more, for a total of 50 items.

Then it was time to head to the register to see how much it all cost.

We rang in at $89.65, an expense for sure, but perhaps a small price to pay for being prepared.  Our kit did not include pillows, blankets, or a NOAA weather radio, which is available at Walgreens for just under $30.

"Right now is the time to get out there because once a storm comes, it might be too late," said Hackman.

Hurricane Survival Materials
  • Water (7 gallons per person)
  • Nonperishable foods; canned meat, fish, fruit and vegetables
  • Bread in moisture-proof packaging, cookies, candy, dried fruit
  • Canned soups, juices, milk
  • Powdered or evaporated milk
  • Cereal bars, peanut butter
  • Instant coffee and tea
  • Flashlights and spare batteries*
  • Weather Radio
  • Battery-operated TV/radio/alarm clock
  • Portable cooler and ice
  • Waterproof lighter
  • Butane lighter
Cooking Equipment
  • Sterno
  • Portable camp stove or grill, and an extra propane tank
  • Charcoal, lighter fluid
  • Manual can opener
  • Paper plates and cups
  • Plastic eating utensils
  • Napkins and paper towels
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven mitts
Medical Emergency Supplies
  • First Aid Kit including pain reliever, antibiotic cream, antacids
  • Prescriptions (one month's supply)
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Sun screen
  • Mosquito netting
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Cash
  • Bleach or water purification tablets
Babies
  • Disposable diapers/wipes
  • Formula, food and medication
Personal Supplies
  • Toilet paper
  • Entertainment: books, magazines, card games, etc.
  • Soap and detergent
  • Toiletries
  • Bedding: pillows, blankets, sleeping bag
  • Change of clothing
  • Rain gear and work gloves
  • Extra glasses or contact lenses
  • Extra sets of keys
  • Ice chest
Documents
  • Photocopies of prescriptions
  • Photo identification
  • Proof of occupancy of residence (utility bills)
  • Medical history and information
  • Water and fireproof container for document storage
  • Backup disks of your home computer files
  • Camera and film
Other Necessities
  • Tools: hammer, wrenches, screwdrivers, nails, saw
  • Lumber
  • Rope
  • Trash bags
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Plastic drop cloth
  • Masking or duct tape
  • Outdoor extension cords
  • Spray paint

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