How to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

With Hurricane Sandy on an uncertain path that appears to be tracking our way but could veer off course, the state is urging residents to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Currently a category 2 storm south of the United States, Hurricane Sandy is expected to track north in the Atlantic and make landfall on the East Coast somewhere between Maryland and Southern New England, probably on Monday, a press release from the NH Division of Homeland Security said. But the National Weather Service has said the exact path of the storm is impossible to predict at this point. We could be missed, or we could take a direct hit.

“There is a lot uncertain about Hurricane Sandy,” said Christopher M. Pope, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “For that reason we strongly encourage New Hampshire residents and visitors to monitor the storm via news media and Internet sources and pay attention to where the storm may eventually strike.”

In addition, Pope encouraged people to review their home emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies so they can stay in their homes for up to three days without assistance. He also encouraged people to remove lawn furniture or other outdoor items that could blow around in high wind and cause damage.

The major threat to New Hampshire, even without a direct hit from the storm, is possible heavy rain and flooding. This is what happened last year with Tropical Storm Irene.

Detailed emergency preparedness information is posted on ReadyNH, the state’s emergency preparedness website: http://www.nh.gov/readynh/.

Having a disaster kit together is one of the top recommendations of emergency planners. But just what should you put into a kit?

We gathered some suggestions from the National Hurricane Center, but also want to hear your suggestions.

• Water. Have at least one gallon for each person for up to seven days.
• Food. Make sure to have nonperishable food items for up to seven days for each person in the household. Be sure to include a hand can opener and paper or plastic plates and utensils. It’s also a good idea to store snacks, specialty foods for infants or seniors and cooking utensils.
• Important papers. Use a waterproof container to store insurance documents, medical records, Social Security cards, bank records, birth certificates and so on.
• First aid supplies, as well as items to care for any babies, special needs or elderly people in the household.
• Blankets and pillows.
• Clothes.
• Toiletries.
• Flashlights and batteries.
• A battery-operated radio or weather radio.
• Charged mobile phones (extra batteries are a good idea, too).
• Cash and credit cards.
• Keys.
• Tools.

While it's possible Sandy will be nothing more than a heavy rainstorm up here, it never hurts to be prepared, an as the possibility of severe weather gets closer, the lines at the stores get longer. If you don't already have an emergency kit, it's never too early to prepare one just in case.

Tell us: What do you have in your emergency kit that you've found helpful in the past?