Preparing for a flood, hurricane or tropical storm is to get out of town for many. Securing your home the best you can and hitting the road. Many times a flood can come about with a hurricane or tropical storm. Before the warning goes up for a big named storm, you need to think ahead about safety and supplies. From June until November it is hurricane season in Florida and if you live on any coast you should make plans to put together a Hurricane supply kit or check the one you have and refurbish if necessary.
Number one on your list should be water.
One gallon per day per person and you should have a least a 3 day supply. (Considering the stronger Hurricanes i.e. Michael 2018, more then a three day supply may be needed). You will also need water for cleaning, and cooking. When you see bottled water on sale pick up what you need and for your supply kit to use during Hurricane season. If there is no hurricane, you can always drink it up when out of Hurricane season. See this article about how to store bottled water and more. Five Facts You Should Know About Bottled Water
Power Outages
With power outages you will not have refrigeration unless you have a generator and when it comes to food supplies canned or non perishable foods are essential.
Crackers, peanut butter, jelly, bread, canned goods, energy bars, granola bars, powdered drink mixes, etc. What ever your family likes consider this for your food supply, and don’t forget you will need a manual can opener if you do not have on already. These Are the Best Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency
Tip: When Hurricane Charley (2004) was on its way on the west coast of Florida, we were caught off guard and had a short time to prepare when it turned in early and came through Ft. Myers to central Florida. Coolers went fast, they were hard to find as well as ice and generators. With the ice I could gather up, I packed it in my freezer and moved as many items I could freeze from my fridge to the freezer so it would last longer and we could have a chance to use up the food cooking it on the grill after the storm. You should not eat any food that has been in a refrigerator that has been off longer then 4 hours. A well packed freezer will hold your food good for up to two days. Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods
Here are some other items you will need;
Cell Phones and Chargers:
Cells phones should be fully charged before the storm hits. With searches on the internet, texting and phone calls after the storm, you can use up the life of the battery fairly quickly if not careful. Since there had not been in a Hurricane since 2004 when Hurricane Irma 2017 came to central Florida, many learned how fast that cell phone charge lasted. What saved us was a charger you could plug into your vehicle for recharging. This is essential to add to your supply kit or even to keep in your vehicle at all times.
Coolers and Ice – You may want to have a separate smaller cooler for any medications that need refrigeration.
Medications: At least a 2 week supply should be on hand
NOAA Weather Radio – Always have a NOAA Weather Radio on hand with batteries. The NOAA Weather Service will keep you up to date for flood warnings, hurricanes, tropical storms and other critical information you will need.
First Aid Kit, Insect repellent and sunscreen, moist towelettes and personal hygiene items
Flashlights and Batteries and if someone in your household has an hearing aid, make sure you have extra batteries.
Copies of personal documents like your insurance policies should be placed in a plastic baggie and sealed.
Baby Supplies – bottles, diapers, formula, baby wipes, medication, Baby Tylenol, baby food, blankets, wash clothes.
Pet Supplies – Food, water, ID tag, carrier, leash and of course toys.
Emergency Blankets and Towels
Extra Clothes for everyone in your family. Laundry will not be available so you may want to consider doing laundry before the storm hits.
Multi Purpose Tool Kit for any repairs needed.
Gasoline -You will need this for a generator and be sure to fill up your vehicle before the storm. Generator Safety Tips That Will Get You Through a Storm, and Maybe Save Your Life
Propane for your gas grill or Charcoal. If you have a gas grill you can cook on that or make use your supply of charcoal. (Always use outdoors)
Keep cash on hand for after the storm, it may come in handy at a grocery store or other places without back up generators.
Once a storm hits and the days after you will be glad you have supplies. You also may want to consider purchasing a floor fan that can be run by your generator.
Don’t forget your neighbors. Check on them before and after the storm to be sure they are prepared and safe.
Photo Courtesy of Vlado at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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The past couple of years Florida has been busy with Hurricanes. We can weather the storms or get out of the way, but number one is to always be prepared for the unexpected. Have your home owners policy up to date for hurricanes ahead of time. Once there is a watch issued binding restrictions take place within the carriers and aren’t lifted until the storm passes.
Budget Bi-Rite Insurance, Inc 