Florida Hurricane Season: How to Prepare

Miami, FL (PRWEB) June 20, 2014

Lack of preparedness doomed Floridians when Hurricane Andrew came. Since then, the American Red Cross and the National Hurricane Center have been giving tips on how to prepare for a hurricane.

1. Get Informed
Floridians should keep in touch with the weather. Floridians must also be aware of the vulnerabilities of their house and neighborhood. They must know if the house will break because of the winds and its flooding risk.

2. Get Provisions
You should also have plenty of flashlights, candles and other light sources. If possible, get a generator to power your home in case the light goes out. Aside from light, you will need plenty of bottled water. Have a battery radio to keep you informed. Keep your cellphone charged. For food, have canned goods and other nonperishable goodies. Avoid raw items; they will rot should the lights go out. Lastly, you will need a first aid kit.

3. Secure your Home
Floridians must board up windows. Bikes, gnomes and other items outside your garden should be stored inside your home. Pets should be taken to an animal shelter. If not, keep the poor animal inside your house during the hurricane. If you live near a large body of water, purchase a life raft or boat, in case of flooding.

4. Evacuation Plans
Decide on a rendezvous spot, in case your family gets separated. If you have a working vehicle, make certain to have it filled with gas, before the storm. Evacuate when told to do so. Follow your evacuation routes and avoid shortcuts, for they may be flooded. Be familiar with the routes leading to the nearest hurricane shelter. In Florida, most shelters are schools. Before departing, turn off all electrical appliances in your home, in case of flooding.

5. Things to Pack
Floridians must have waterproof luggage to protect important personal documents, something light but very resistant that has compartments for your passports and other essentials, something with a lock as you will be carrying security documents inside. Luggage Online has a five-piece Samsonite brand set on closeout for this hurricane season. You will need to store in it photocopies of medication list, medical information, and proof of address, deed to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies. Also take with you plenty of cash. Have a bag filled with emergency supplies, like canned food, blankets, first aid kit and a change of clothing. You will also need to pack rain gear, sunscreen and insect repellant. Lastly, take a camera with you to document the damage done on your property.

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