Ready.gov says there are 13 important things that you need in your disaster kit. With Hurricane Florence on the way it never hurts to be prepared, just in case.

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener for food

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

One thing we always do is fill the bathtub with water. This enables us to flush the toilets or have water for the animals. You can also heat the water on the gas grill so you can at least take a bird bath.

There are additional things, depending on your own personal needs, like prescription meds. Make sure you have enough to get you through the storm. Here are more potential needs for your disaster kit. (Ready.gov / PR Newswire)