Stock your kit

Helpful things to add to the usual list.

By JUDY STARK, Times Homes Editor

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 30, 1999

Start putting together your hurricane kit now. Here are some items you may not have thought of:

An air horn, to attract attention in case you need help.

Spray paint. After Hurricane Andrew, residents of South Florida wrote their insurance company names on their damaged homes to attract the attention of passing claims adjusters. When street signs blew down, some people wrote their street names on their homes.

Insect repellent.

Instant tire sealer. After a hurricane, streets may be full of broken glass or sharp branches, which can damage tires.

Tubes of caulk. Use them to seal the bottoms of exterior doors to keep out driving rain, or to seal around the bathtub drain when you fill it with water to use for bathing.

Wet wipes, to keep yourself clean and refreshed when bathing facilities (and air conditioning) are at a minimum.

A couple of big plastic trash cans, plastic trash bags and some duct tape. You can stow a lot of stuff in these cans and keep it dry.

Camera and film. Take pictures now, inside and out, to record what your home looks like. Then after the storm take pictures to document damage.

Name, address and phone number of your insurance agent, and a copy of your policies.

Your phone/address book, for calling relatives (the ones whose numbers you don't know anymore because they're on speed dial) and others.

Personal stereo and tapes or CDs.

Bible or other scripture, prayer book, rosary, prayer rug, volume of poetry or other reading, personal journal: the things that help you stay connected to your community of faith.