Hurricane Season is Upon Us Once Again, Are You Prepared?

Hurricane season is steadily picking up. We already have two tropical storms surging, Ana and Bill. Are you prepared? If you live in a coastal or low lying area, in a flood zone, or in a mobile home, you really have to prepare a bit more than others do. You should have a family plan. That means that if you have to evacuate you and your family and friends should all know where it is you are going to take shelter at. You should plane escape routes, and where you are going to meet. It is also important to have someone outside your state be your family contact. You should also have a plan for your pets as some places of shelter won't allow most pets.

A hurricane supply kit is also extremely important. A large waterproof container would be ideal for this. Inside you should have all your important documents such as social security cards, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical and bank records. Place these documents in a large zip lock bag and put them in your kit. You should also have blankets, clothing, flash lights, battery operated radios and plenty of batteries for all your equipment. Non perishable food is also good to stock up on in case you loose power and can't cook. Don't forget utensils, plates and bowls and a can opener. You should also have enough water for everyone, that would be 1 gallon per person per day for 3-7 days.

If you have any first aid kits that would be good to keep handy in case someone got injured. If you can prepare ahead of time make sure you have all the medicine and prescriptions you may need also. Toiletries and baby wipes should also be in your hurricane supply kit. If you have no running water at least you can clean up with baby wipes.

Of course make sure your vehicles have plenty of gas in them and always keep a couple of bucks on you in case ATM machines are out of service. Keep your keys to all vehicles and doors handy so your not searching for them at the last minute. And throw some tools in your trunk just in case you may need them too.

I hope this hurricane season isn't going to be a bad one like they predict, but if it is please be prepared. Don't wait till last minute to have all your supplies in order. It is always better to prepare ahead of time. Be safe!