Hurricane prep. File photo credit: NOAA/NWS.

As Hurricane Hector approaches the Central Pacific Basin, the County of Maui asks that all residents use this weekend to prepare by making an emergency kit for your home, and developing a plan in case you need to evacuate yourself or your family from your neighborhood.

To start your own Emergency Survival Kit, use the following list as a guideline:

– Four-week supply of prescription medicines
– Five-day supply of non-perishable food
– Non-perishable special dietary foods
– Ice chest
– Water – a minimum of two quarts per person per day
– Pet food
– Candles
– Matches
– Fuel for stoves, hibachis, or lanterns
– Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, or air mattresses
– Flashlights, batteries and extra bulbs
– Portable radio and extra batteries
– Extra clothing, eye glasses
– Masking tape for windows and glass doors
– Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
– Special items for infants, elderly or family members with special needs
– Quiet games, books, playing cards, and favorite toys for children
– Important papers including driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies, and written or videotaped property inventories
– First aid kit and water purification kit (tablets or chlorine available at drug stores)

To help prepare an evacuation plan consider the following:

– Be prepared. Make sure all family members know what to do in case of an emergency
– Decide where the family will meet if separated, where you will seek shelter and what you will take with you if you must evacuate
– If an emergency occurs remain calm. Follow your plan. Listen to the radio or television for instructions and information.
– Know warning signals and shelter locations