North Carolina Hurricane Checklist vs. Florida Hurricane Checklist

By John Galt
August 25, 2011 – 17:05 ET

This hurricane disaster checklist comparison is for primarily coastal residents but in the event of a large storm, could apply to those in the interior of a state if the storm is strong and large enough.

From the NHC website, which is pretty much the same as the North Carolina checklist:

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards – Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

The difference between that list and the Florida checklist is primarily if the storm is rated as a Category 3 or above. Here is where the list in Florida diverges from the North Carolina list:

Maps/GPS – Have a good functioning GPS or maps with evacuation routes planned in advance and highlighted in the GPS or on the maps.

Travel/Comfort foods – Presume you will be evacuating so have a supply of adequate “junk” or comfort food as the evacuation routes in Florida tend to back up for 24 hours plus to leave the state.

Family Valuables/Heirlooms – Prioritize a list of valuables you will be taking with you and the proper totes/boxes for packaging and moving out to an evacuation location.

Proper Pet Transport - Insure you have proper carriers and food for your pets to endure a long trip.

House/Condo Preparation – Open all doors, windows, and garage doors before leaving the state.

Important Housing papers – Leave envelope with foreclosure notification, all keys, and letter to the bank stating it’s all theirs if they can find anything left of it.

(Okay, maybe the last two were a little tongue-in-cheek, but if you think there are not hundreds of thousands of Florida homeowners with upside down mortgages who don’t think about this everyday during hurricane season, you’re smoking some Wacky Weed like that old fart from Omaha did before he bailed out BoA)

Tags: HUMOR, HURRICANE SEASON 2011