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You will need an adequate supply of food and water for your family to last a couple days (maybe more) after the hurricane passes. Roads may be impassable. Stores may not be open. Ice will be at a premium; so, don't buy much that needs to be refrigerated. The information below will help you get your family through the aftermath of the hurricane.

Food

You'll need to buy plenty of food before the hurricane. The information below will help you make decisions on what to buy. Barbecue only outside anything you have in the freezer. Check under Ice for hints on using coolers. Don't try to eat everything before it spoils and don't stuff yourself.

1. Beverages

   • Juice and milk boxes
   • Canned and powdered milk
   • fruit juices
   • instant coffee
   • tea
   
   

2. Canned food

   • soups
   • entrees
   • vegetables
   • fruits
   • deserts
   
   

3. Staples

   • Cereals
   • salt and pepper
   • sugar
   • Raw vegetables
   • Bread
   • Dried fruits
   
   

4. Snacks

5. Pet Food

Ice

• Stock up on ice early; don't wait until everyone is trying to get it. Store ice in sealed bags. you can drink the water when it melts.
• Get, at least, a couple of coolers for food and ice storage. Put drinks and less perishable food in one. Keep more perishable food in another; don't open this one often.

Water

You'll need a gallon of drinking water per person per day. You'll also need water for other purposes, such as cleaning.

Sources of water

1. Clean your bathtub, wash it with bleach and rinse it thoroughly. Fill tub and clean bottles.
2. You can use the water in your water heater. Turn off the power and open the spigot at the bottom.
3. Boil water for 3 to 5 minute at a rolling boil. A pinch of salt will improve the flavor.
4. You can purify water using plain household bleach without any additives. Use a quarter teaspoon per gallon.
5. Don't waste drinking water cleaning up.
6. Listen to news updates for statements about municipal water supplies.