Always be prepared
A well-stocked storm kit—including nonperishable food, bottled water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries and a first-aid kit—will serve your family in a variety of emergencies.
Build your own storm kit
The best way to cope with a weather-related emergency is to be prepared. Severe storms might leave you with no power and no water. They could lead to emergency evacuations or make roads impassable, so you can’t get to needed supplies.
You can be prepared by assembling a basic storm kit to carry you through emergency situations at home or in case of quick evacuations. The list below, based on recommendations from the American Red Cross, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the Centers for Disease Control, lists items to keep at the ready in case of emergency.
Decide how long a period you want to be prepared for; experts recommend at least three days, but you may wish to stock supplies for up to two weeks. The Red Cross suggests that water and food supplies be enough for three days in case of evacuation or two weeks for use within your home.
Check your emergency supplies every six months to refresh stored water, remove expired food, replace dead batteries and change outgrown kids’ clothes. Items that can spoil or be damaged by water should be kept in airtight bags.
Store your storm kit in a convenient location, and let family members know where to find it. You may also want to keep a smaller emergency kit in your car.
Water
- At least one gallon per person, per day, for drinking, food preparation, hygiene, pets
- Store in unbreakable containers
Food
- Ready-to-eat, non-perishable
- Canned goods—meats, tuna, fruit, vegetables
- Dry goods—crackers, cereal, dried fruits, peanut butter, breakfast bars, nuts, candy
- Baby food and formula
Tools
- Flashlight(s) and extra batteries
- Multi-purpose tool
- Non-electric can opener
- Plastic eating utensils and paper plates
- Matches
- Duct tape
- Scissors
First-aid kit
- Sterile gauze pads
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages
- Sterile roller bandages
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tongue blades
- Petroleum jelly
- Safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves
- Sunscreen
Personal care
- Medications
- Medical supplies (hearing aids with batteries, glasses, contact lenses)
- Hand sanitizer
- Premoistened towelettes
- Personal-hygiene items
- Baby-care items
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Extra clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoes
Communications
- Battery-operated weather radio and extra batteries
- Portable power bank to charge cell phones
- List of emergency contacts, including your local electric co-op
Important papers
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Insurance policy information
- Bank account information
- Medical records
- Photo ID/driver’s license
Other
- Cash
- Pet food/supplies
- Toys/games/cards/books for entertainment
- Gas in car
- Whistle to signal for help
- Garbage bags
- Road maps
- Jumper cables
- Tire-repair kit
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Additional resources
Winter storm guide – Ice storms can cause extended damage across the state. Learn how to prepare with this guide from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Or, visit https://scemd.cdn.missc.net/media/1008/sc-winter-weather-guide.pdf.
South Carolina Hurricane Guide – Download the official Hurricane Guide from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Or, visit https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/.
South Carolina Earthquake Guide – South Carolina sits on active fault zones that can trigger small or major earthquakes without warning. Learn how to prepare for tremors and what to do when they start with this guide from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Or, visit https://www.scemd.org/media/1009/sc-earthquake-guide.pdf.
Know Your Zone – When it’s time to evacuate, use these interactive tools from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to find the best route to safety at https://www.scemd.org/prepare/know-your-zone/.
Emergency contacts and resources – Use these emergency contacts and resources to make sure your family is informed and equipped to stay safe in the event of any disaster. Plus: Learn how South Carolina’s electric cooperatives and emergency responders work together before, during and after a major storm.