Emergency Kit Is First Step

Now is the time to take one of the most important steps in preparing for a hurricane: assembling an emergency supply kit.

This will help you avoid having to shop at the last minute when there are other preparations to make.

You need to be able to fend for yourself - water, food and medications - for three days or longer after the storm passes.

Your basic kit should include:

* One gallon of water for each person each day for drinking and food preparation, stored in plastic containers.

* A flashlight and spare batteries for each person.

* A three- to seven-day supply of canned or nonperishable food that requires little or no preparation or heating. Include snacks and baby food or formula if needed.

* Food and water for pets to last three to seven days.

* A battery-powered radio and spare batteries.

* A first-aid kit with bandages, gauze pads, tape, antibacterial ointment, antidiarrhea medication, pain medication, antacids, tweezers, scissors, soap and alcohol.

* Personal toiletries.

* A manual can opener.

* Paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic bags, plastic garbage bags, waterproof containers and foil.

* Antiseptic hand cleanser for each family member.

* Two coolers - one for food, one for ice.

* Chlorine bleach to use as a disinfectant and to purify water.

* Detergent and cleaners.

* Mosquito repellent and sun screen for each family member.

* Fuel for any nonelectric cooking source, such as charcoal or propane gas, and matches.

* Prescription medication for two weeks. Check with your pharmacist about the shelf life of the medicine.

* Spare hearing aid batteries if needed.

* A telephone that plugs directly into a wall jack. Portable phones won't work without electricity, and cellular service could be disrupted.