Hurricane Preparation 2006: Start a Shopping List

     Today we're going to start a shopping list for hurricane-related supplies. My list is on an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper folded in half, with each of the four resulting sections representing a shopping location — the grocery store, a members-only club, a home-supply store and a discount super store. Over the next week or so, we'll discuss what should be on your list, so you'll be ready to take advantage of Florida's "hurricane tax holiday" when it begins May 21st.
     No matter where you buy it, water should be at the top of your list. Disaster planners recommend at least one gallon daily per person, and enough to last three to seven days — that's 12 to 28 gallons for a family of four! We buy a couple of cases of individual 8 oz. plastic bottles because that size is easily and quickly chilled. In addition, we keep on hand a couple of two-and-a-half gallon water containers — the kind with the spigot — for use in cooking. About eight one-gallon containers round out our water supply.
     Don't forget! If you have an infant in the household, you will need additional water on hand for mixing formula.