This year’s hurricane season has been quiet so far yet the Florida Department of Health continues to urge Floridians to not let their guard down. It only takes one storm to cause a lot of destruction. To stay prepared each resident and visitor needs to have an emergency plan and a well-stocked emergency supply kit.

The department recommends the following actions to stay prepared for the hurricane season:

• Determine the risks to your home, property, or business;
• Develop or update an emergency evacuation plan and review the plan carefully with your family – don’t forget to include your pets in your evacuation plan;
• Make sure you have adequate insurance by contacting your insurance company or agent;
• Assemble a disaster supply kit;
• Strengthen your home and complete any needed repairs;
• Identify your trusted sources of information for any severe weather event or hurricane. Credible and timely information is very important to taking the appropriate actions in the event of an emergency; and
• Complete a written hurricane plan and keep it in a safe, easily accessible location. The Florida Division of Emergency Management offers a checklistfor your emergency plan.

Everyone living in Florida should have an emergency preparedness kit that meets your specific needs. Some items you may want to include in your kit are:

• Water (at least one gallon a day per person);
• Non-perishable packaged or canned food (enough for at least 3 to 7 days);
• Any necessary medication (enough for two weeks);
• Written instructions for care and medication (including medication dosages, a list of medical devices you use and a list of your doctors);
• First aid kit;
• Flashlights with extra batteries;
• Pet care items (including any pet medications); and
• Other important documents (stored in a waterproof container).

In certain situations, it may be safest for you to evacuate from your house to a more secure location like a shelter. If you have a disability or a special need such as a medical condition, please register with your local emergency management office. All emergency management offices maintain a list of people within the community with a disability or a special need so they can be assisted quickly during an emergency.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management also has resources for helping you and your family stay prepared for a disaster.

• Get a Plan!
• County Emergency Management