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Hurricane 2025: What to pack in your emergency kit

By FOX 13 News Staff
Published  June 3, 2025 12:20pm EDT
Hurricane Safety
FOX 13 News
Storm Season 2025

Storm Season 2025

FOX 13 wants to help you prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season.

The Brief

    • It’s important to pack an emergency kit and gather supplies before a storm is approaching.
    • Important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records should be kept in a safe place and/or create password-protected digital copies.
    • It’s important to keep your emergency kit updated, so check in annually to replace any expired medications or food and to update the kit with additional items your family may need.

TAMPA, Fla. - It’s important to pack an emergency kit and gather supplies before a storm is approaching. 

Emergency Kit Supplies

What to pack in hurricane kit:

Keep important documents — such as birth certificates, social security cards, copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records — in a safe place and/or create password-protected digital copies.

READ: Online survey focuses on Bay Area residents' decision to evacuate or not during Helene, Milton

Keep a list of important contacts, such as Emergency Management Offices, county law enforcement, county public safety fire/rescue, local hospitals, local utilities, local media (such as TV and radio stations) and your property insurance agent.

Assemble a disaster supply kit that will help you meet all your basic needs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests including:

  • Water — one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days to be used for drinking and for sanitation
  • Food — at least three days' worth of non-perishable foods
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
  • Prescription medications
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Glasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for pets
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

It’s important to keep your emergency kit updated, so check in annually to replace any expired medications or food and to update the kit with additional items your family may need.

The Source: This story was written with information from FEMA, NOAA and previous FOX 13 News reports. 

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