There is little doubt that South Florida will experience another hurricane in the future – it’s only a matter of when, not if. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, making now the ideal time to prepare before a storm is approaching.
One of the best ways to reduce stress during an emergency is to have a plan and supplies ready ahead of time. Preparing early allows families to focus on safety instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Here are several important hurricane preparedness tips from the Florida Department of Health:
Make an Emergency Plan Should Include: All household members, Special medical conditions or medications, Evacuation routes and destinations, Transportation needs, An emergency meeting location, An out-of-town contact person for communication, A plan for pets and pet supplies
Gather Emergency Supplies: Experts recommend keeping enough supplies for at least seven days, including: One gallon of water per person per day, Non-perishable foods such as canned goods, protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit, Manual can opener, Disposable plates, cups, and utensils, Flashlights and extra batteries, Portable phone chargers or power banks, Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Stock Up on Medical Essentials: Be sure to have: At least a 30-day supply of prescription medications when possible, Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrheal medicine, and children’s medications, A current list of medications and medical devices, Physician contact information, Blood type, allergies, and important medical information for all household members
Assemble a First-Aid Kit: Include items such as:, Sterile bandages and gauze pads, Antiseptic or cleansing, wipes, Medical tape, Scissors and tweezers, Safety pins, Disposable gloves, Moist towelettes
Protect Important Documents: Store important information in a waterproof container or securecloud storage, including: Insurance policies, Mortgage and property documents, Vehicle titles, Emergency contact lists, Banking and credit card information, Instructions for shutting off utilities, Pet vaccination and medical records. It is also a
smart idea to photograph or video your home and valuable belongings for insurance purposes before hurricane season intensifies.
For additional hurricane preparedness information including guides available in English, Spanish, and Creole, visit the official Florida Department of Health Hurricane Resources and mosquito protection and storm recovery health information at www.floridahealth.gov
