Hurricanes can produce extremely powerful winds, torrential rain, high waves, flooding and even tornadoes. They can cause large-scale devastation, as with Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Katrina.

If you are along the possible path of a hurricane, the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response recommends several ways to prepare in advance for the storm. One very important step is to pack an emergency kit in case you have to evacuate.

Hurricane Emergency Supply Kit

Water & Food

You need to have at least a three-day supply of water and food.

• One gallon of water per person, per day
• Nonperishable food such as crackers, canned goods and cereal
• Can opener

Power, Light & Phone

Count on power being out for at least one or two days.

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Fully charged cellphone and a charger

Medication & Hygiene

• First-aid kit
• Seven-day supply of all medications
• Medical items (glasses, hearing aids, cane, etc.)
• Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, feminine products, etc.)

Clothing & Blankets

• Blankets
• Rain gear
• Extra clothing, including a hat and sturdy shoes

Transportation & Money

If you have to drive, avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

• Extra cash (ATMs probably won't work)
• Full tank of gas
• Map
• Extra set of car and house keys

For Children

• Bottles, formula, baby food and diapers (if needed)
• Entertainment that doesn't require power, such as books, cards and a board game

For Pets

• Pet supplies (food and water bowls, canned food, collar, leash, etc.)