What to include in your disaster supply kit this hurricane season

May 26-- May 26--We've been through this enough times to know that before a storm hits, the stores become a madhouse. Build your disaster supply kit early to avoid the rush.Things like canned food and water can be packed away for when they're needed and while you may be tempted to raid the snacks inside when you're hungry, we would recommend against that. We would, however, recommend you take advantage of things like the hurricane prep sales tax holiday, which runs for a week starting May 31, to stock up on supplies.

Here's a list of what you should have available in your kit, broken down into items, first aid/hygiene and food/water. This list was complied from the state's emergency services website, but also from reader suggestions and our own experiences going through Hurricane Michael.

Items:

* Battery powered radio!: This is the big item emergency officials are pushing this year. After Hurricane Michael, we all learned the hard way not to rely on our cell phones, as those communications can go down. Many people were left in the dark because they weren't able to tune into the Gulf Coast State College radio station where emergency officials were broadcasting important information 24x7. Having a battery powered radio on hand with plenty of batteries will help you be able to receive important updates before, during and after the storm and go the extra mile by writing the emergency station frequencies down and storing the list with the radio so you're not left endlessly scanning.

* Flashlights and extra batteries: Candles may add ambiance but emergency officials recommend against using them in an emergency and instead relying on good old flashlights for getting around and checking on things. For more stable lighting, readers have also recommended solar yard lights that charge up during the day or string lights, which come in both battery-powered and plug-in variations and use relatively little power when plugged into a generator. Plus they add some cheer in a dark and scary time.

* Pillows, blankets and a sleeping bag: Because you never know where you'll end up having to sleep

* Cleaning supplies: Trash bags are great for quickly grabbing and transporting things and they're relatively waterproof. Bleach for mold and sanitizing. Face masks to keep out mold and dust. Sponges and hand towels, as paper towels can get wet. Rubber gloves. Etc.

* Duct Tape

* Plastic sheeting: A lifesaver when trying to quickly cover windows and other holes before more heavy-duty repairs and be made

* Rope/Clothesline and clothespins

* Biodegradable laundry detergent

* Extra set of house and car keys

* Tools: Hammer and nails for boarding up windows that have blown out. Roofing nails for tarps. A small crowbar. Wrench and screwdriver and a utility knife. Etc.

* Multi-input power strip: If you have a generator this will let you plug in and charge a variety of devices

* Extension cord

* Tarps

* Propane: You can cook just about anything on a propane stove or small camping grill and you don't even need power!

* Clothing: Squirrel away a complete change of clothes, including socks and underwear, for each person in the family.

* Cash: While some stores may be able to re-open after the storm, it might be a while before they can accept cards. Having enough cash to get through several days tucked away is a good idea.

* Bug spray and wasp killer: Bugs of all kinds will be out in force after the storm and, as we learned, downed trees disrupt bee and wasp nests and can send them into a rage.

* 5-gallon bucket: If you have the space, these can be very useful and are versatile. Use them to empty water from your ceiling, hold water for washing or, if you're desperate, they can also be used as, um, "facilities" if you catch our meaning.

* Tire plugs: For those pesky nails in the road

* Copies of important documents: Bonus points if they are laminated or in waterproof sheets.

First Aid/Hygiene:

* Medication: Obviously some medications expire so they're not good to store somewhere for a few months, but consider picking up an extra pack if you can and storing it. Also basic painkillers, allergy meds, laxatives if needed, antacids, etc.

* Copy of prescriptions: For when pop-up pharmacies do come online. Even if your doctor isn't reachable, having these ready is a good first step to getting what you need.

* Extra glasses/contacts and prescriptions: Even if they're an old pair they are better than not being able to see

* Extra medical equipment

* Soap

* Bandages of all sizes and sterilized pads: This includes ace bandages.

* Reusable heat pack: Good for strained muscles and insect bites

* Sunscreen

* Sunglasses

* Safety pins and sewing needles

* Thermometer

* Fluid dropper

* Scissors

* Baby wipes and moisturizer

* Antibacterial cream or, in a pinch, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.

* Dry Shampoo

* Toothpaste, extra toothbrushes, deodorant and toilet paper

* Empty weed/bug sprayer: Were told that in a pinch, these make great portable showers when filled with water

Food/Water:

* Water in different sizes: Emergency officials recommend at least one gallon of water per person per day, with enough to last 7 days. We recommend buying a few different sizes -- water bottles for drinking and brushing teeth, gallon jugs for things like cleaning and filling toilets. You can also fill gallon-sized plastic bags with water and stick them in the freezer to both fill the freezer and keep it cold and have water ready to go. Jello and gelatin is also an easy way to pack a lot of water into a tasty snack.

* Food: Pack enough food away for at least 7 days of being on your own. Non-perishables, juice, water, snacks and a manual can-opener, along with any special dietary foods. Packaged dried fruit and nuts are high in sugar, fat and protein and can keep you going!

* Paper plates and plastic utensils: Because no one wants to waste water on dishes

Pets: Don't forget, pets need their food, water and medication too, along with a leash, collar, medical records and muzzle.

Extras: Items that won't necessarily fit in a kit but are good to have around

* Wood: Both plywood and 2x4s are useful when boarding up windows or making quick repairs. Home Depot also has plastic boards in the window section that are cheaper and lighter alternative for windows.

* Generator: They can be pricey, but having even a small one can make a huge difference

* Gas cans: Because getting gas can be a pain in the ... well, you get the idea. Have more than a few of these on hand to fill as you're able.

* Chainsaw: If you have the space, a chainsaw is a good investment and will help you cut your way out of your home/driveway and start clearing trees.

* Gas stabilizer

* Ladder: Climbing on the roof without a ladder isn't fun

* Workboots

* Bike: Sometimes a bike is the only way you can get around!

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