The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts on June 1st! Just having enough supplies to make it through a hurricane isn’t enough. You need plenty to make it through what could be a long recovery period, too.
Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30
Water and electricity could be out for a week or more. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family for a minimum of three days. And make sure you have extra cash, flashlights and a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone.
Assembling Your Disaster Kit:
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with these basic items:
- water (one galler per person per day for several days)
- food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishables)
- battery-powered or hand crank radio
- flashlights
- first aid kit
- extra batteries
- whistle (to signal for help)
- dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- moist towelettes
- garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- wrench or pilers (to turn off utilities)
- manual can opener (for food)
- local maps
- cellphone with chargers and backup batteries
Since Spring of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.
Once you take a look at your basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed by keeping food in a cool, dry place, storing boxed food in tightly closed containers, replacing expired items and updating your keep each year as your family’s needs change.
Find an emergency supply list and more tips at: Ready.gov
Tax Relief on Preparation Supplies
As we head into the 2021 hurricane season, Florida’s disaster preparedness sales tax holiday will begin May 28 and go through June 6.
Here is a list of qualifying items. For more information, please go to www.floridarevenue.com/disasterprep
Preparing for Hurricane Season
Know your Hurricane Risk
Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water, even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.
Make an Emergency Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. In your hurricane plans include the office, kids’ daycare, and anywhere you frequent. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
Discuss the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect your hurricane planning.
Know your Evacuation Zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with household, pets, and identify where you will stay.
- Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
Recognize Warnings and Alerts
Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up.
Those with Disabilities
If you or anyone in your household is an individual with a disability identify if you may need additional help during an emergency.
Review Important Documents
Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space.
Strengthen your Home
De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, consider hurricane shutters.
Get Tech Ready
Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Help your Neighborhood
Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others
Gather Supplies
Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, masks, pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.
- Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips. This helps to protect those who are unable to procure essentials beforehand and must shop more frequently. Only take the items you and your family may need so that others who rely on these products can also access them.