Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season is upon us, are you prepared? Most people are not. I'm sure you probably make your usual list of items you will need, and then if there is a warning of a hurricane coming then you rush to the store to stock up on items. Instead of waiting until the last minute for hurricane supplies, I advise you to go ahead and start stocking up now.

Some things that you may need for this hurricane season is of course, water. Many stores such as CVS have deals on 20 ounce bottles of water, when you see deals such as these, go ahead and purchase a few cases of the water. You can never have too much water because you never know how long you won't be able to have any. Also, stock up on gallons of water now because when the time comes that you need to buy some chances are it will all be sold out, and you really don't want to be left without water.

The next time you may think of buying is a generator. Generators can be pricey, but they are a great item to have handy when you are out of electricity. In Florida (where I live) the last thing you want to be without is air. It can get very hot, and no one wants to be stuck in a house in the middle of summer with dead heat, it's miserable. Just remember, when using a generator, keep it outside. DO NOT put it inside of any building, garage or house as it will emit carbon monoxide and can be deadly. Keeping the generator outside will make sure that you won't have to worry about that problem.

You will also need to stock up on food, such as boxed food, and canned food. Nothing that will spoil such as dairy products, meat, and anything that needs refrigeration. The best thing to buy would be canned meat, vegetables, chips, crackers, anything dry and canned. Remember to buy enough for at least a week. Keep in mind that if you own a grill (make sure you stock up on gas if you have a gas grill) you should cook all the food such as the meat that is already in your refrigerator if the electricity goes out. Cook the stuff that will spoil first that way you can eat it and you will have the rest of the food to fall back on just it case it takes a few days for the electricity to turn back on.

Another idea is to of course make sure that you stock up on candles, hurricane lanterns, flashlights, batteries, battery operated fans, and anything you may need to keep you and your family from being so bored. Items like board games and cards can be fun without needed electricity. If you are willing to spend some money then you may want to consider buying a portable dvd player or an mp3 player to keep you occupied. Also, keep in mind that gas can become very low during times like this. Everyone wants to fill their car up all at the same time, this is very annoying because you may have to visit many gas stations before you will find one that is not sold out of gas. So, to keep from being in this situation, buy a few gas jugs and fill them up now, that way you wont be waiting in the lines at the gas stations and you wont be caught on the side of the road because you ran out of gas!

Last but not least is to pack some clothes for you and your family. In many cases, cities can and will give mandatory evacuations, you don't want to be packing in a hurry and not bringing things that you will need or are not willing to leave behind. First make sure that you pack light but smart. You will want to bring pants and shirts and underwear and socks and shoes etc... You know, normal things that you would need everyday for at least a week, but somethings you may not remember to bring are important paper work, such as rental agreements, or mortgage papers, or social security cards and Id's and anything else to that factor that you will need. Many cities that have been evacuated will ask for proof of residency when it is time to go in. They will most likely ask for an ID with your current address on it and also proof of living there, such as rental agreement or an up to date utility bill. Also remember to pack keep sakes, items that are irreplaceable, such as pictures and heirlooms, because you never know what may happen and if you will ever see these items again.

Hurricanes can be scary and stressful, but if you follow my advice on how to be prepared for hurricane season, you are sure to be more confidant and prepared for what is in store for you and your family.