With the most active part of the 2024 hurricane season still ahead, now is the time to make sure your emergency and first aid kits have all the items you might need.
Hurricane season kicked off June 1 and continues until Nov. 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts more than the average number of named storms this season.
Take time now to check your kits and make sure you are ready if a storm should threaten the area.
In your family emergency kit, you should have a first aid kit that includes:
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- Assorted sizes of gauze pads and bandages
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Moistened towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricants
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves
- Sunscreen
- Medication
Your kit should include at least a 14-day supply of any prescription medications you take. Don’t forget to also include over-the-counter medications in your kit, such as pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, antihistamines and laxatives.
As always, make sure you have the standard items in your emergency supply kit, including at least three days’ worth of water and non-perishable food for each member of your family (including animals), a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, a manual can opener, medications, pet supplies, important paperwork in a waterproof container and cash or traveler’s checks and change.
South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has provided a helpful checklist of additional items to include in your family emergency supply kit.
South Carolina has new evacuation zones this year. Take time now to learn the zones for your residence and workplace.
Using SCEMD’s Know Your Zone interactive map, enter your address or the address of your desired location to determine its zone.
Consider where you will stay in case of an evacuation order in your area. Staying in a hotel or with family or friends far inland are the best options, according to SCEMD.
Be sure to check on neighbors and loved ones to make sure they are prepared for the hurricane season.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Agency’s website.
