Hurricane Season is upon us once again and as we write this we are currently on the track of Hurricane Elsa. Hurricane Elsa is now on record as the earliest “E” named storm on record. Our area of Sarasota and Manatee Counties is vulnerable to all storms including a low-intensity tropical storms because the Gulf shelf is so shallow. Water is easily pushed onto land and exacerbates effects on life and property. It is most important to follow your local advisories. This blog post is to help serve as a supplement to get your hurricane plans in place or remind you of some of the things you may have forgotten.
In Case of Power Outings
In our older developed communities, we have power lines that are not buried and are easily damaged. Some Floridians experience afternoon power outages due to typical Summer thunderstorms. Having these items on hand year-round is a good idea.
- Flashlights & Extra Bulbs
- Battery-operated radio
- Battery-operated lanterns
- Batteries (in different sizes!)
- Matches
- Crank Radio - This one charges your phone and is solar-powered also!
- Manual Can Opener
Supplies for Venturing Outside
Some storms can last a long time (ie Florence, Harvey, etc). This means you will more than likely need to step outside or sometimes evacuate unexpectedly due to rapidly rising water. Other calamities are possible due to down trees, power lines, etc. However, more people get injured during the clean-up of storms than during so please stay vigilant.
- Rain gear
- First Aid Kit
- Plastic garbage bags
- Fire extinguisher
- Scissors
- Clean clothes
- Extra blankets
- Heavy gloves
- Large plastic tarp
- Duct Tape
- Closed-toed shoes/Rain Boots
Food and Water
Water is the most important. In the event of damage to the water supply, authorities may issue a boil water warning. If there is damage to the power supply you will want to have potable water on hand. Buy a couple of gallons of water when you go to the grocery for less than a dollar. One gallon per person (and pet) per day for 3 days is the recommendation. If you have filtered water that you enjoy drinking, like Culligan, you can fill Gallon-sized Ziploc bags and freeze them flat in your freezer. These can also act as additional cooling sources in your freezer to preserve your food longer if the power goes out. Also, a great way to store the pet's water! Food during the storm is important when restaurants and groceries don't open right away. Don't forget your manual can opener!!
- Water (1 gallon/person/day)
- Gatorade bottles or mix
- Coolers full of ice - to use and to help keep food cool
- Canned foods
- Granola bars, energy bars
- Fresh fruits that don't need refrigeration (ex: Bananas, Oranges, Peaches, etc)
- Trail Mix
- Applesauce cups
- Crackers
- Peanut Butter
- Don't forget the treats!
Property Preparation
Remember, the winds are not dangerous it is what they blow around. To protect your home and those around you it is best to take some time and clean up around your house.
- Remove outdoor items
- Trim dead branches from trees
- Tie down and secure items that may be possible projectiles
- Board up windows - check your local advisory on when to do this.
- Fill gas tanks and extra containers
- Get extra cash
- Store important documents in waterproof containers
Medical Needs
When you hear a storm is approaching make sure to check your prescription supply. If a storm hits right after a long holiday weekend, like we are currently looking at, it could be almost a week before you reach your doctor's office for a refill.
- Medic-alert tags
- Insect-repellent sprays
- Feminine hygiene items
- Sunscreen
- Soap
- First aid kit
- Prescription medication
- Over-the-counter medication
- Children's medicine
- Bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic solution (Rubbing Alcohol/Hydrogen Peroxide)
- Thermometer
- Tweezers