The battle against a hurricane is won before hurricane season begins. The keys are planning and preparation! The time to organize your hurricane kit is now. Do not wait for a hurricane watch to be posted. That’s the time to pull out the kit and get everything set up. A good practice is to assemble the supplies in a waterproof box and store the kit in a safe, dry area of the house. If the watch is escalated to a warning, then it’s time to assemble shutters, pull out the generator and plan for possible evacuation. Once a watch is posted you should pay particular attention to local news and weather bulletins.

Your hurricane kit should include:

• Water — at least one gallon per person per day
• Nonperishable food — sufficient for the entire family for one week
• First aid kit
• Medical needs (extra prescription medicines, extra oxygen cylinders, spare batteries for ventilators, wheelchairs, etc)
• Battery-operated radio
• Blankets and pillows
• Manual can opener
• Hard-wired phone; not cordless/electric phone
• Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged and consider purchasing additional portable chargers (keep in mind even when phone calls don’t go through, text messaging often does)
• Protect your devices with a surge protector
• Extra cash
• Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
• Garbage bags (blue Plantation bags and regular lawn bags) and plastic ties
• Hygiene products
• Identification
• Moist towelettes and several towels
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Special supplies for infants including diapers and formula
• Special supplies for pets including pet food and proof of vaccinations
• Crayons, coloring books and small toys for kids
• Toilet paper
• Utility knife and work gloves
• Pens, pencils and writing paper
• Photos of valuables
• Copies of insurance documents, personal ID, credit card and bank account numbers placed in sealed plastic bags
• Other items specific to your family