For Floridians, Hurricanes and Tropical Storms are a yearly occurrence. Though you can track the general path, it is difficult to predict exactly how you and your family will be affected – so, your best bet is to stay prepared and have a plan in place each Hurricane season. Here is a list of helpful tips to get you ready to brave the storm!
Supply Checklist:
o Non-perishable foods
o Drinking water – if bottled water is hard to come by, you can always fill containers up with filtered or tap water ahead of time!
o First Aid Kit and any prescriptions you may need
o Personal hygiene supplies
o Sanitation supplies
o Baby supplies
o Pet supplies
o Cooler and Ice Packs – for keeping food if electricity goes out.
o Copies of important documents/waterproof place to store original documents
o Cash
o Activities, books and games.
o Manual can opener
o Flashlights.
o Extra batteries
o Battery-operated radio
o Keep your gas tank full in case you need to evacuate on short notice
Hurricane Preparation:
Don’t freak out. The more time you allow yourself to prepare, the less you’ll have to deal with supplies running low. Collect the supplies you need but avoid “panic buying” or hoarding. Collect necessary supplies to last your household at least three days, including water. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget about pets!
Make sure you know your evacuation/flood zone, so you know what to do when the call to evacuate is made. Get a plan together on where to go in the event of an evacuation and how you’ll get there; establish a meeting point for family members to gather if separated and choose one person everyone can contact their whereabouts and status.
Cover all windows, either with hurricane shutters or plywood. Tape can prevent glass from shattering but does not prevent the window from breaking.
Trim all trees and foliage and clear rain gutters to prepare for heavy rain.
Reinforce your garage doors.
Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans and anything else that is not secured outside.
If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure and brace internal doors.
Always avoid driving into flooded areas; if waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground.
Contact your local emergency management agency for information – keep an eye on the news, but don’t overwhelm yourself.
Avoid contact with electrical equipment, cords, metal and water, be especially careful in the aftermath of the storm.
Stay indoors until authorities tell you it's safe to go outside.
Get daily hurricane updates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Hopefully these tips can help you to feel more prepared and confident about caring for yours and your family’s safety. We always recommend taking the advice of your local government while when in the path of a hurricane, and these tips should be used in conjunction with local guidance.
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