Hurricanes don't just affect people that are on the coast but people hundreds of miles inland. Damage to infrastructure can cause shortages: loss of power, loss of water, and loss of gas, as well as local services being limited. If you live in a area where you are at risk of hurricanes, you need to get a plan and supplies together for you and your family.
Emergency supplies must haves:
-Water-
At a minimum of one gallon per person per day for 1-2 weeks, along with extra for any animals you have. If stores are out of water, you can fill up any pot, pan, or dish with water that you can use as needed while local services are disrupted. Clean out your tub and fill it with water that you can use. One source of water that people often forget they have is the water heater. The average home water heater holds between 60 and 80 gallons of usable water. Be sure before you drain your water tank that you turn off the electric or gas to it so you don't burn up the element inside the water heater even if you currently have loss of power. Be sure any water you use for cooking or drinking is purified in some fashion. The most obvious method is boiling, which can kill off bacteria in the water but will not remove any contaminates in it and does take fuel that can be used instead for actual cooking. The best method is to have a good water filter system to make sure you have clean water.
-Food-
You need 1-2 weeks worth of nonperishable food for easy meals that are edible even cold as you may not have a means of heating the food available. Some definite must haves are various canned goods such as soup and canned meats, along with dry goods like fruit leathers and snack bars. Candies or other nonperishable treats can help keep kids happy and comfortable. If you have a baby, stock up on formula even if you are breast feeding. Stress can wreck havoc on a mother's body and it can be just one less thing to worry about. Also, stock up on food for your animals to be sure they are just as happily fed as the humans in the household. A way to cook your food can be a good way to boost morale during a rough few days. A propane grill or butane stove can last for day and make a cold can of soup taste so much better. Just be sure anything propane burning has proper ventilation to avoid possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Medicine-
Always make sure before a hurricane you are up to date on all of your prescription drugs. Talk to your doctor and see if you're able to get a extra month's worth of medication case of an emergency. Under the State of Emergency you can get a 30 day supply of your medicines even if your prescriptions are not ready for refill. I don't recommend it but some people skip a day of medication a week to have some stocked piled just in case they can not get an extra set of medication filled. Have a fully stocked first aid kit for dealing with cuts, scraps and burns.
-Safety Items-
Fire extinguisher, you never know how much it comes in handy when you really need it to put out a fire while it's still small. A battery-powered radio to stay informed with your local stations during the emergency, as well as a form of entertainment to keep kids happy. Flashlights, glow sticks and even the solar lamps outside can be used as safe indoor lighting. Extra batteries for flashlights, radio and electronics.
-Personal Hygiene-
Hand sanitize when water is on short supply. Baby wipes can be use in place of showering. Stock up on extra diapers, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper and tampons/pads. To allow for a flushing toilet, if the septic has not been disrupted, you can take any used water, such as after cooking or washing something, and pour it into the toilet's tank.
-Tips for hurricane preparedness-
Keep supplies together for easy access. Have forms of entertainment such as board games, cards, or books to keep occupied. Have dishes and laundry done before hand. Stock up on any fuels you will need such as propane, butane, or gasoline, along with stabilizer. Keep your vehicle's gas tank topped off so if you have to leave, you can grab what you need and get out of Dodge.