Hurricane Sally and coronavirus: Make sure you have these supplies, officials say
Hurricane Sally is forecast to hit the Gulf Coast on Tuesday with life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding, according to the National Hurricane Center.
In the age of the coronavirus, how should residents prepare?
Emergency management officials recommend adding a few new items to your hurricane kit before a storm hits to help protect from the virus.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies a little more complicated, but also (if possible) more important as we head into peak months of the hurricane and wildfire seasons,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. “People, especially those who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and live in areas prone to hurricanes and wildfires, should prepare now for the effects these and other hazards can have on personal and public health.”
The CDC recommends adding the following items to your existing storm preparedness kit:
- Disinfectant wipes and spray
- Bar or liquid soap
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Minimum of two masks per person for each person over the age of 2 in your household
Face masks and hygiene items are also on the list of items the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency recommends including in a hurricane preparedness kit.
The CDC advises residents in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm should pack a “family-sized” emergency supply kit as well as smaller “go-kits” for other members of the family.
According to the CDC, MEMA and local officials, those supplies should include:
- Flashlight and battery-powered radio with additional batteries
- Canned and non-perishable food
- Water — at least one gallon of water per person per day for three to seven days
- Toiletry items
- Pet food and pet supplies
- Medicine and prescription medication
- Copies of important family papers and documents stored in a waterproof container or resealable plastic bag, including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Personal protective equipment (also known as PPE)
- First-aid kit and manual
- Duct tape
- Non-electric can opener
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
- Fully charged cell phone
In addition to packing an emergency kit, officials say it’s imperative residents know their evacuation zones. Information on evacuation zones for the three Gulf Coast counties can be found here.
Hancock County issued a mandatory evacuation ahead of Sally’s landfall.
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 10:58 AM.
