HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Whether Hurricane Joaquin blasts Virginia or misses the East Coast completely, emergency officials are urging residents to get their emergency kit ready.
Jonathan McNamara with the Red Cross in Richmond took CBS 6 around a local Home Depot, pointing out items that are critical in a storm.
"Flash lights, batteries, a tarp, they're going to have rope in case you need to tie down anything at your house that could become a projectile during a storm," said McNamara.
Other items you would not think about, like glow sticks, can make for safe, long-lasting light sources if the power goes out.
Jake Burns and Jonathan McNamara
At the Home Depot on Broad Street, generators have been a hot item the past 24 hours. Managers said they usually sale very few; but on Wednesday they sold more than 60.
"Different models of generators are going to be able to power different amounts of wattages in your home. Make sure you talk to an expert about what you need for your specific home," said McNamara.
If the power goes out for an extended period of time, McNamara said turning your refrigerator and freezer to their lowest settings now will help your perishable foods last longer. He also suggests freezing water before the storm. Ice can be used for a water source in an emergency and will help keep the temperature down in your freezer.
