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During the past three years, 4 hurricanes have made landfall in Florida, including Hurricane Michael. This was the first hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. as a Category 5 since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
While living in Florida certainly has it perks, it also comes with its own set of precautions as well. The sunshine state is not always sunny and as Floridians we know that hurricane season can be the most stressful time of year for us. Being prepared can help ease some of our anxieties so we have put together a list to make sure you are prepared.
BEFORE THE STORM
- Prepare your home with boards
- Find a place to secure outdoors items such as garbage cans, flowerpots and furniture
- Trim any trees branches or shrubs
- Take photos inside and outside your home
- Protect valuables and important papers
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Gas up your vehicles and have fuel on hand for generators
- Know your evacuation routes
- Know your local shelters and if you have pets, make sure they are pet friendly
- 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
- 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
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
DURING THE STORM
- Stay indoors
- Don’t walk on beaches, riverbanks or in flood waters
- Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out, do NOT use candles
- Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates
- Avoid contact with floodwater, it may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals
- Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities
- Don't walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car
- If caught on a flooded road with rapidly rising waters, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground
- Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water.
- Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. can become filled with water
AFTER THE STORM
- Let friends and family know you’re safe - Register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website
- If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding.
For more information, please check out https://www.ready.gov/
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