"IF" the storm hits for most the biggest problem for most will be a LACK OF ELECTRICITY.

The second biggest problem, but for a smaller number of people, will be NO FRESH WATER.


With that in mind one should plan accordingly for most likely scenario for most to less likely:
In order of importance:

*Emergency Lighting + Batteries (if battery powered) or Lamp Oil (if oil fueled):

*Water for drinking (min of 2 gal/day/per x 5 days x no in household + extra)

*Radio (battery, solar, or crank up)

*Nonperishable Food for at least 5 days (10 is better)

*Way to cook food + fuel for whatever system you use

*Paper supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, plastic utensiles etc.)

*Baby Wipes (for cleaning yourself up with without having to take a shower)

*Full tank of gasoline in EVERY vehicle

*Extra gasoline (since without power service stations can't pump and sell gasoline) (store OUTSIDE of house)


extras if one has time and money:

*Tarp in case of roof or siding problems (and nails to tack it down with)

*Plastic Sheeting and Duck Tape

*Way to Heat your shelter: One way is a Keroscene Heater + fuel to run it for at least 5 days (3 gal/day for a 24,000BTU round one - the best all round inexpensive emergency heating source imo)
(if it is new or hasn't been used for awhile run it outside for AT LEAST 3 hours BEFORE using it inside - 6 hours is better ... btw MOST noticable fumes come from heat caused fuel evaporation at shutdown, so as soon as shutdown for any reason take outside so as to keep fumes out of house)

*Chain Saw - gasoline powered only

*Camping Toilet (with the biggest holding tank you can get) (Be sure to "Precharge" Flushing Tank) (easier and cleaner to deal with than using regular toilet if no water available)


extra extra's

*Camping style Perkolator Pot (plus the small round filters they use ) for making coffee!!

*Snacks

*Several Decks of cards

*Battery powered TV