ATLANTA — As Hurricane Isaias moves closer to the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross is urging families to prepare for possible power outages and other storm impacts.
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The organization is packing relief supplies in South Fulton County to send to the Gulf Coast while reminding people to make sure they have enough emergency supplies to last at least three days.
One of the most important items to have on hand is water. The Red Cross recommends storing one gallon of water per person per day.
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Families should also make sure they have flashlights with working batteries, along with phone chargers and backup battery packs in case the power goes out.
Katie Zwerk with the Red Cross of Georgia said people should avoid using candles during a power outage because of the fire risk.
“You want to have a flashlight. You want to make sure you have working batteries in them,” Zwerk said.
What should be in your emergency kit?
The Red Cross recommends keeping these supplies ready before severe weather arrives:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day.
- Flashlights and batteries: Avoid relying on candles during power outages.
- Phone chargers: Keep charging cables and portable battery packs ready.
- Nonperishable food: Stock up on food that does not require refrigeration.
- Manual can opener: Make sure you can open canned food without electricity.
- First aid supplies: Check that your kit has bandages, gauze and other basic medical supplies.
- Important documents: Keep insurance information and other essential paperwork together in a binder or folder.
Zwerk also recommends checking first aid kits before a storm to make sure necessary supplies are available.
Another important step is preparing for the possibility of losing access to your phone or other digital devices.
People should write down important phone numbers and contact information in case they need to use someone else’s phone or cannot access their contacts.
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