The Time to Prepare is Now

Everyone knows that the start of hurricane season begins June through November. With this in mind it is a good idea for all of us in hurricane prone areas to prepare. Always have your emergency kits available, get in the habit of inspecting and updating your kits periodically. Check for any items that have expired or items that need to be replaced or added. Have a good amount of cash on hand, in the event banks and ATM's are shutdown. Without electricity for long periods checks and credit cards will not be allowed.


Have a good amount of water stored for you and your family, pets are part of the family don't forget them as well. Keep a well stocked pantry of food supplies in canned goods, non-perishables, MRE's etc. Don't forget pet food. Make sure your pets have proper ID tags, a photo of them and updated records from your veterinarian visits, in the event that a pet is lost. Update your first-aide kit with medical supplies and medications that you and your family will need. Know where your nearest shelters are located and be aware of the routes you may have to take.


Batteries, keep a good supply of these on hand. I find that it is more prudent to have a variety of flashlights because you don't want to have a flashlight that only takes D battery. Reason being is that everyone else will be buying up that same size battery when disaster unfolds. Having varying sizes of flashlights allows you the freedom to be able to purchase several size batteries and not have to worry about ever running out in times of scarcity, which will probably happen if most relies on one type of battery.


Have a plan, in the event you and your family may be separated. Plan where to meet, have contact numbers of each others and keep a connected line to friends as well because you never know where you may end up in the event of natural disasters. Go over your emergency plans and practice them with family members. The time to prepare is now, not after a disaster hits.