Must-haves for your emergency supply kit

These are the basic items recommended to have in your hurricane emergency supply kit. Plan to have enough on hand to get you through a minimum of three days without power. Of course, modify the list to meet specific needs of your family.

• One gallon of drinking water per person per day (additional water will be needed for cooking and cleaning)

• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food (canned foods, peanut butter, energy or granola bars, etc.)

• Manual can opener

• Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications (minimum two-week supply)

• Keep a list of dosage amounts, doctor's name and phone number for each member of the household

• Analog phone (one that does not use batteries or electricity)

• Personal items (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet tissue, feminine hygiene items, deodorant, extra reading glasses, etc.)

• Diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, diaper cream, infant/baby Tylenol

• Pillow, blanket, towels, washcloths

• Cash, credit cards

• Important documents (driver's license, Social Security card, medical cards, insurance policies, etc.), sealed in plastic bag to keep dry

• First aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, extra batteries

• NOAA weather radio or battery operated AM/FM radio

• Several sets of clean clothing

• Unscented bleach for disinfecting water

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Work or gardening gloves, sturdy

shoes, hat

Source: Lee County

Division of Public Safety

Prevent injuries after the storm

>> Wear proper clothing, including protective shoes and gloves, when you start cleaning up debris.

>> Know how to operate machinery, such as generators and chainsaws. Under no circumstances should a portable generator be used indoors, including partially enclosed areas and garages.

>> Avoid heat exhaustion by staying hydrated and resting. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, take cold showers and avoid alcohol and caffeine. >> Use plenty of bug spray.

Stay alert to the signs of heat exhaustion

• Severe cramps	• Confusion
• Drenching sweat	• Dizziness
	• Shortness of breath

If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical assistance immediately.