With possible hurricanes approaching, and if you don’t have the ability to leave the region, here’s my tried and true packing list for a disaster shelter if you have to evacuate your home.

Some people don't have the ability to pack up and leave or buy all the supplies and food to shelter in place for a week. I have multiple experiences setting up and having to stay in mass-people evacuation centers. Most recently the giant ones at GRB and other spots in the city after Harvey. Here's a list I go to to make the experience more endurable. It all depends on the capabilities of the shelter, but this pretty much covers everything:

• Cot
• Extension Cord
• Power Strip
• Pillow
• Bivy bag/Light sleeping bag/or blanket
• Thermarest pad (makes the cot more comfortable)
• Peanut Butter
• Spork
• Tuna Meals
• Wet wipes
• Ear plugs
• Ear buds for phone
• Sleeping mask (the bright lights inside will always be on)
• Laptop + hard drive with movies & TV to keep the kids entertained.
• Foldable Camp chair
• Locks to secure any zippers on your backpacks or suitcases.
• Bike lock to secure bag to cot

Most everything can be secured on and in a large camping backpack if you can get one.

Be safe and plan your contingencies early!