Make a list of supplies for your hurricane kit

Go ahead and pull out that hurricane kit from last year. Does everything seem OK? Can the food last for several more months? You might be in the clear!

Otherwise, now’s the time to get a large storage bin and fill it up with several recommended items.

• Water: At least 1 gallon daily per person for 3-7 days; when a storm nears, fill the bathtub and other containers; sports drinks are good to fend off dehydration
• Food: At least enough for 3-7 days; non-perishable packaged or canned food; juices; foods for infants or elderly family members; snack foods; food for special diets
• Non-electric can opener
• Cooking tools, fuel
• Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils
• Bedding: blankets, pillows, etc.
• Clothing
• Rain gear
• Sturdy shoes
• First aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs
• Toiletries, hygiene items, moisture wipes, dry shampoo
• Flashlight, batteries, lanterns
• Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery; chargers; traditional (not cordless) telephone set
• Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards: Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
• Tools: Keep a set with you during the storm
• Gas: Fill up your vehicles several days before landfall is expected; gas stations could lose power during a storm and supply trucks may not be able to reach the area
• Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; muzzle and/or leash
• Bleach without lemon or any other additives
• Fire extinguisher
• Mosquito repellent
• Keys
• Toys, books and games for children
• Duct tape
• Cell phone charging stations — locations where you can charge mobile devices

Organize important documents

Place these in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag ahead of time. It should include insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, prescriptions, etc.

If you have flood insurance, make sure you have this supporting documentation, too. Consider checking with your insurance agent or company if you do not have flood insurance — it might be a good idea to have considering where you live.

Figure out if you live in an evacuation zone

If you’re anywhere along Florida’s coastline, it’s safe to assume you’re in some sort of evacuation zone. But if a storm threatens and the call comes to leave, is your zone being called over someone else’s?

Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management to see what zone you live in. That way, when you hear evacuations ordered for zones A through E, you’ll know whether it’s time to go.

Visit this link to see information for other states.

Several outlets so far this year predict this upcoming hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, will be an active one for several reasons.

Sources: https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/hurricane/hurricane-preparedness-week-2020-florida-plan-kit/67-f1c19fc1-4ef2-48aa-8f21-f8a55619654a

https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness