We provide this free safety resource to visitors of the Community Room of SeniorSSuperStoreS in an effort to keep baby boomers, seniors and the elderly informed of matters that can affect their lifestyle.

This information for seniors is part of our series of safety resources dealing with hurricane survival and hurricane safety. This resource deals with creating a hurricane survival kit. Be sure to see other resources in this series in our Community Room.

Whether you plan to ride-out a hurricane or evacuate, you should be prepared with a hurricane survival kit. Remember, this doesn't apply just to residents of coastal communities because hurricanes can do tremendous damage well inland (even hundreds of miles).

Survival kit items to have in your home if you plan to ride-out the storm:

Have on hand canned meats, fish, soups, fruits, vegetables, and canned juices, and a manual can opener since you may be without electricity to operate an electric opener. Charcoal and ice are good to have on hand, but remember that you may not be able to keep the ice frozen. As many ice chests as you can handle are also necessary.

Dried fruit, bread, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, jelly and other favorite foods that will not need to be refrigerated.

Bottled water (two weeks supply, at the rate of 1 gallon per person per day), coffee and tea. You can also consider canned soft drinks and sodas if you are willing to drink them if they are not cooled. A water purification kit, available from most home supply and camping supply dealers, is also handy.

Disposable plates, cups and utensils.

Cash (enough to last you up to two weeks), and remember that you may not be able to rely on ATM machines because of loss of electrical power and likely a high demand from people who did not plan as well as you.

Prescription medications (a two week supply), first aid book, first aid supplies.

Infant care items, if you expect to house families with infants, including disposable diapers, baby formulas, and baby food.

Flashlight with extra batteries, or a lantern for each family member. A battery-operated radio or TV. A non-electric clock. A fire extinguisher.

Masking tape and clean-up supplies (preferably cleaning materials that do not require a lot of water, since fresh water may be in short supply). A good supply of trash bags.

Chlorinated bleach to use for disinfecting purposes.

Mosquito repellent since mosquitos are a real problem after a storm.

Toilet paper, paper towels and pre-moistened towelettes.

Plan to take care of your pet. Get proof of vaccination and attach the pet's ID collar and rabies tag. Have a carrier or cage and a leash handy. Have a two week supply of food on hand. Locate and secure water and food bowls. Have a two week supply of medications on hand. Have a good supply of newspapers, cat liter and trash bags available.

Hurricane survival kit items to have if you evacuate:

Make sure your vehicle is gassed up and in good working order.

Pack pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses, lightweight folding chairs and cots.

Pack extra clothing, shoes, and eyeglasses (count on possibly several days away from home).

Personal hygiene items and medications.

Pack important papers and insurance policies, cash and personal identification.

Let friend and relatives know where you are going and how to reach you.

Lock windows and doors. Be sure the electricity, gas and water are shut off.

Store valuables and irreplaceable items inside empty appliances.

If dry clothes are stored in low-lying areas of your home, pack them in plastic bags.

Put plastic bags over TVs, lamps, computers, etc.

Hopefully, our best laid plans will remain only that: plans on which we will not have to act.