How to prepare for Hurricane Season

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1st and lasts through November 30th. As a transplanted New Englander living in Florida, I had no idea what steps to take to protect my family and pet should a hurricane hit. So, I researched the subject and here's what I found the Red Cross advises doing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• To create a "DISASTER KIT":
• First aid and essential medications
• Canned food and a manual can opener
• Min. of 3 gallons water per person
• Protective clothing, raingear
• Sleeping bags or bedding
• Battery powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled
• EMERGENCY SUPPLIES TO HAVE ON HAND:
• Extra clothing, eyeglasses, etc.
• Ice chest and ice
• Personal documents
• Money (ATMs may not be working)
• Contact info with important phone numbers, addresses, etc.
• Map
• Pet supplies
• Tools
• Mosquito repellent
• Disposable plates, cups, utensils
• Trash bags

1. Disaster Kit The beginning of the season is the bst time to develope your emergency response plans. Make sure you have supplies to last at least two weeks, and create a "Disaster Kit" to take with you in case of an emergency evacuation.
2. Review your insurance policy and keep a copy in a watertight container. Take it with you when or if you evacuate. Have written instructions on how to turn off the electricity, gas and water in the event authorities advise you to do so.
3. Have emergency supplies on hand at home. This should include bottled water and non-perishable foods, ie. canned goods, dried fruit, peanut butter, basically anything that doesn't require refrigeration. Be sure to include a manual can opener in the event that the electricity is out.
4. Decide beforehand where you will go if you must evacuate, a motel, friend or relative's house are some ideas; and then plan your route. Make sure that everyone in your household knows what the plan is should the need arise.
5. Plan ahead also for your pet's safety. Most shelters won't admit them, so if you can't keep them with you, make sure you have a plan in place. Your local Humane Society or your veterinarian should be able to provide you with more information about how to care for your pet in the event of an emergecy.
6. Obtain and store materials, such as plywood and duct tape. These are necessary to secure your home. Pre-drill holes and cut the plywood to fit, this will save you time later when you may need it.
7. As the storm approaches, listen for weather updates on local radio or television stations. A hurricane WATCH means hurricane conditions are possible in the area of the watch within 36 hours. A hurricane WARNING means hurricane conditions are expected in the area of the watch within 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Water supplies may be contaminated, so use pre-stored or bottled water until further notice.
• Mobile homes and pre-fab homes are unsafe in hurricane conditions, regardless of how well they may be secured to the ground.