(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Right now, all eyes are on Hurricane Ian, but even when there isn't a threat of a storm, living in Florida it's a good idea to have a hurricane kit and you might be wondering what exactly you should put in it.
If you were out shopping this weekend, you may have seen the panic buying that some people were doing, stocking up on water, bread and toilet paper. It's good to be prepared, but there's a fine line between that and panicking. So you're better off having a hurricane kit ready to go at the start of the season so you're not freaking out when talk of a storm starts.
If you haven't prepared, we have a few more days yet, so I recommend heading to the store today and grabbing a few essentials just in case.
And that's not just for if you're staying in town, it could also come in handy if you evacuate.
Of course, the decision to evacuate isn't easy, but you want to make it as easy as possible but not having to hurriedly pack and possibly leave something you need behind, and being on the road, some supplies may be limited so it's smart to have plenty ready to go. Also, you don't want to have to waste time making stops trying to find things when you're trying to get out.
Even if you've gone years without needing it, it's better to be prepared and have one at the ready just in case.
SOURCE: Pelican.com
What To Put In Your Hurricane Kit:
Water
No need to go overboard, but it's a good idea to have a minimum of one gallon of fresh, clean water per day per person.
Food
Pack at least a three-day supply of non-perishable packaged food. Prioritize foods that don’t require cooking but will provide plenty of nutrients such as granola bars, canned tuna and beef jerky.
First Aid Kit
Nothing too elaborate, but be able to handle basic cuts, scrapes, and burns
Flashlight
You never think you need a flashlight until you need one and when the power goes out, especially at night, you don't want to be without. Make sure to pack some extra batteries as well.
Radio
A battery-powered or hand crank radio is a good way to keep up with weather updates.
Multi-Tool with Wrench and Pliers
These tools can come in handy if you need to turn off utilities like water and gas systems.
Chargers
Keeping your phone charged allows you to stay in communication with others. Car chargers, wall chargers, and a “power block” backup charger are all good to have on hand.
A Change of Clothes
No need to pack for a vacation, but having a change of dry clothes is smart for each family member
Can Opener
If you’re packing canned food like tuna and soup, make sure to have a can opener
Local Maps
We're so used to opening our phones to pull up a map, but if you don't want to use what's left of the charge or you don't have a charged phone, having a paper map (preferably waterproof) can help with navigation
Emergency Contact List
Much like with maps, if your contact list is in your phone, it may not be accessible. Make a hard copy list of key phone numbers and keep it in a waterproof sleeve or bag. Also include important documents like IDs, home insurance papers, and bank account records.
Gas
It's important to have a full tank and a full can ready to go. You've probably seen people with multiple containers filling up at the gas station, which leads to shortages, but gas goes "stale" when stored for too long, so if you do overfill, make sure to add some fuel stabilizer to your gas to keep it fresh.
Cash
Not many of us carry cash on a regular basis, but stores may not be able to accept cards if power or phone lines are out. Same with ATM's that could be inoperable. The recommendation is to have a few hundred dollars on hand.
Baby Formula/Food and Diapers
Try to have at least three days’ supply.
Medications
Make sure to have a backup supply of any prescriptions. Pain relievers, antacids, and cold medicine can also be useful.
Disposable Plates/Utensils
Paper plates and plasticware can make eating on the road a lot easier
Entertainment
Usually we'd put on the tv or open our phones to stay entertained, but with no power, make sure you have books, games and puzzle books to stay busy
2022 Hurricane Central – Preparedness Guide
Hurricane Central - Preparedness Guide gives you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane. Just because 2021 was a quiet year for storms doesn't mean we can ever let our guard down. This guide is sponsored by local businesses here in SWFL. Gavin's Ace Hardware, Sean King Law, and Powerhouse Home Services.
HURRICANE CONTACT NUMBERS
EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTERS
CONTRACTOR INFORMATION
POWER COMPANIES
ONLINE RESOURCES
Preparing Your Home
Shelters - Lee County
Emergency Operations Center 239-533-0622
Bonita Springs YMCA – Bonita Springs
Island Coast High School – Cape Coral
Estero Recreation Center – Estero
Germain Arena – Estero
South Fort Myers High School (Pet Friendly) – Fort Myers
E. Lee County High School (Pet Friendly) – Lehigh Acres
Harns Marsh Elementary School – Lehigh Acres
Harns Marsh Middle School – Lehigh Acres
Mirror Lakes Elementary School – Lehigh Acres
Varsity Lakes Middle School – Lehigh Acres
Veterans Park Recreation Center – Lehigh Acres
Shelters - Collier County
Emergency Operations Center: 239-252-3600
Highlands Elementary School – Immokalee
Immokalee Friendship House – Immokalee
Immokalee High School – Immokalee
Immokalee Middle School – Immokalee
Pinecrest Elementary School – Immokalee
Village Oaks Elementary – Immokalee
Barron Collier High School – Naples
Big Cypress Elementary – Naples
Corkscrew Elem/Middle School – Naples
Cypress Palm Middle School – Naples
Golden Gate Intermediate School – Naples
Golden Gate Middle School – Naples
Golden Gate High School – Naples
Golden Terrace Intermediate School – Naples
Gulf Coast Intermediate School – Naples
Gulf Coast High School – Naples
Laurel Oak Elementary School – Naples
Lely High School – Naples
Mike Davis Elementary School
Naples High School
North collier Regional Park (Pet Friendly) – Pre-registration is required
North Naples Middle School
Oakridge Middle School
Palmetto Ridge High School – Special Needs
Pelican Marsh Elementary
Sable Palm Elementary School
St. Matthews House
Veterans Community Park
Vineyards Elementary School
Shelters - Charlotte County
Emergency Operations Center: 941-833-4000
*All Charlotte County shelters are now Pet Friendly
Lemon Bay High School – Englewood
Myakka River Elementary School – Englewood
Kingsway Elementary School – Port Charlotte
Liberty Elementary School – Port Charlotte
Meadow Park Elementary School – Port Charlotte
Murdock Middle School – Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte High School – Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte Middle School – Port Charlotte
Sallie Jones Elementary School -Punta Gorda
South County Regional Park -Punta Gorda
L.A. Ainger MIddle School – Rotonda
Vineland Elementary School – Rotonda
Shelters - Hendry County
Emergency Operations Center: 863-674-5400
Central Elementary School – Clewiston
Clewiston High School – Clewiston
Clewiston Middle School (Primary Shelter) – Clewiston
Eastside Elementary School – Clewiston
Westside Elementary School – Clewiston
Country Oaks Elementary School – LaBelle
LaBelle Elementary School – LaBelle
LaBelle High School – LaBelle
LaBelle Middle School (Primary Shelter) – LaBelle
Shelters - Glades County
Emergency Operations Center: 863-946-6020
Buckhead Ridge VFW – Buckhead Ridge
Maple Grove Baptist Church – Lakeport
Glades County Health Department (Special Needs) – Moore Haven
Moore Haven High School – Moore Haven
Muse Community Assn. – Muse
West Glades Elementary (Special Needs) – Muse
Shelters - Desoto County
Emergency Operations Center – 863-993-4831
Desoto Middle School -Arcadia
South Florida State College (Special Needs) -Arcadia
Terminology - Hurricane Watch
Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.
Steps to take:
Terminology - Hurricane Warning
Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.
Steps to take:
Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.
After The Hurricane
