Hurricane Season is Officially Here

The 2013 hurricane season officially started on June 1 and last year the Gulf coast and the East coast suffered severe damage from hurricanes.  Now is the time for you to become prepared. Have you notified your residents of their need to be prepared?  Below a suggested comprehensive list compiled from online resources of things to have on hand:

• Aluminum foil
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Bleach and medicine dropper (Nine parts water to one part bleach can be used as disinfectant)
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Carbon monoxide detector (while using generator)
• Cell phone with chargers (inverter or solar charger)
• Change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
• Coolers
• Duct tape
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Emergency reference material, such as a first-aid book
• Extension cord (for generators)
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Financial documents
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Fix-A-Flat
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Frozen gel packs
• Gas cans
• Generator
• Infant formula and diapers
• Local maps (with evacuation routes outlined)
• Manual can opener
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Paper and pens/pencils
• Paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Prescription medications, hearing aids and eyeglasses
• Rain gear and rubber boots
• Sandbags (for flooding)
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Toilet paper
• Trash bags
• Utility knife
• Water (one gallon of water per person for at least three days) for drinking and sanitation
• Whistle to signal for help
• Work gloves
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

This list may appear to be overwhelming, and expresses the seriousness of an approaching hurricane. We can never be too ready!