Getting Prepared for Hurricane Season

Living near the coast has its benefits. It keeps our winters warmer and our summers cooler. There are beautiful beaches and lagoons. It even benefits us economically, as the coast attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year to various beaches and waterfront destinations. Almost everyone living on or near the coast - East, West, or Gulf - will agree that it's great.

However, nearly everyone living on a U.S. coast has faced a potential tropical storm or hurricane. It's times like these that call for good preparation. While there is no doubt that once a hurricane watch or warning is posted, you'll start packing and probably with some sense of urgency, if not panic, it's always a good idea to be prepared ahead of time.

Here's a list of items and tasks that will help expedite your evacuation preparations, as well as protect your and your family's interests.

• Purchase a small locking file box

In this file box keep:

1. A file for personal documentation -- This includes birth certificates, marriage license, social security cards, copies of drivers licenses, passports, adoption documents, and any other legal documentation (car titles, house title, etc.)
2. A file for medical documentation -- Including prescriptions, a medication list (these are handy in case of an emergency, to help doctors give you the right drugs), allergy list, medical insurance papers, and any other important medical documents you may have.
3. A folder for bills/billing information -- Include 3 of the most recent bills for utilities. This will be helpful in the event that you have to stay evacuated for more than a couple of weeks. It is also helpful in keeping important phone numbers to electric and water companies, which you may need to call to confirm that your home is receiving service after the storm.
4. A comprehensive contacts list -- In the event that you are unable to use your cellular phone, it is important to keep a contacts list, to let your loved ones know that you are safe.
5. Emergency funds -- Keep an emergency credit card and a few hundred dollars in cash (make sure to have some small bills and a couple rolls of quarters).
6. Duplicate or Master Keys -- keys to vehicles, your home, a safe, etc.

• Put photos, albums and negatives in a waterproof container

It's a good idea to keep these photos in a waterproof tupperware container, year-round, since this will reduce any fading. This also makes it easier to grab the box and go, in case you need to evacuate. If you happen to forget, your photos should be safe, barring a complete washout.

• Get a Hurricane Kit ready

In this kit you should include:

1. Weather radio -- make sure that it is one with a solar or hand-crank capability.
2. Flashlights -- while it is not necessary to have hand-crank ability, it will save batteries.
3. First Aid Kit -- make sure it includes pain killers, benadryl, anti-diarrheal medication, and insect bite swabs, as well as wound treatment supplies.
4. Towels and blankets
5. Several instant cold packs -- For more than just injury treatment, these will be much appreciated if the electricity goes out. Take an instant cold pack, and place it inside of a towel and behind your neck, to keep you cool while sleeping.
6. Extra Batteries
7. Evacuation Plan and Map -- These are available at multiple locations in states where hurricanes are an issue. Check your state's website for more information.
8. Water -- 1 gallon per person for 3 to 7 days is the amount recommended by NOAA.
9. Food -- Enough for 3 to 7 days, make sure that it is non-perishable and that you have the materials to prepare the food (a non-electric can opener, a gas stove, pots, and pans, and plates, bowls, and utensils for eating)
10. Toiletries -- toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths, hairbrush, comb, tweezers, moisturizer, feminine products, and hair ties.
11. Tools -- A small tool kit with the basics can help solve small problems you may encounter while evacuating.

• Move Electronics

In the event that you have to evacuate, give yourself peace of mind by moving all of your electronics away from doors and windows. If you have a larger television that is easy to move, dust it and place it face-down on a bed and cover it with a tarp or sheet. This will protect it from both water damage (unless there is significant storm surge), as well as looting (which can happen when a town is evacuated for more than a few days). Don't forget to unplug allelectrical items.

• Turn off utilities

Electricity: Turn off electricity from the main panel

Water: Turn off the water at the main meter or the meter running to your house to keep contaminated water from entering your house's water lines. Keep in mind that this does require a special wrench, which should be available at hardware stores.

Remember, having a plan and being prepared will help you feel less anxious before and during a storm. When you don't have to worry about what you forgot, you can focus on what's important: the safety and well being of your loved ones. Keep everything in perspective -- no matter what happens, and no matter how bad it seems, your material possessions can be replaced. Life will go on and you will be able to rebuild.