Page 29 Fall Home Improvement 2026 Lincoln Daily News The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends having a three-day supply of water and food. They recommend one gallon per person, per day, plus nonperishable food, a manual can opener, and eating utensils. Remember to bring supplies and food for your furry friends, too. As you wait out the storm, it is also important to have a way to receive additional alerts. While many people rely on their phones for alerts and flashlights, a battery-operated radio with extra batteries and an additional phone charger or power bank are recommended. A flashlight is also important so that you do not drain your phone battery. If you are trapped in your shelter, a whistle will help first responders locate you. Sturdy shoes and gloves are important to protect your hands and feet during the storm and when exiting the shelter. For any injuries that might occur, a First Aid Kit is important to have, along with any medications, medical supplies, and glasses. Keep approximately seven days of medication and supplies. If you are storing medicine or supplies in the shelter, make sure they will not expire or spoil if your shelter is not temperature-controlled. Check this kit periodically to prevent expiration. In your kit, also include health insurance cards; a list of your medications and health diagnoses; your physician's contact information; and your living will, power of attorney, and estate documents. Medical alert jewelry is also recommended for those with chronic conditions. Along with your medical necessities, gather and store important documents in an emergency binder, preferably one that is waterproof and fire-resistant. In the binder, include government-issued identification, such as your passport and Social Security card. Also include birth, marriage, divorce, and adoption certificates. You will also want to bring records about your finances and property. Declaration pages for your homeowners, life, and auto insurance, as well as agent contact information, are recommended. Include the deed to the home, lease agreement, and mortgage information in your folder. You can also include account numbers for your banking and investment accounts, along with a checkbook or credit cards. If you have a pet, copies of their vaccination and medical records are also important. If storing these documents in a folder takes up too much space, a USB drive with high-quality copies is an alternative option. A small amount of cash in small bills is also advised. While preparing your kit, take inventory and document your home’s contents with photographs, videos, and receipts, and keep them on a USB drive or in a folder for an insurance claim. Items you should document include household electronics like computers, printers, tablets, TVs, sound systems, headphones, cameras, and smartwatches. Include furniture, large and small kitchen appliances, and utensils in your documentation; try to include the purchase date and price for each item. As for your valuables, you should log your overall closet with a count of general items, but catalog
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