Are You Ready For Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season is upon us and Florida Health Care Plans wants you to be ready. According to ready.gov hurricanes are “massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land.” Hurricanes come with potential threats such as heavy winds, flooding, tornados, and much more. These storm systems can be catastrophic and it is important to be prepared.

The hurricane season starts on June 1st and can run through the end of November, but the majority of the storms form towards the end of the season, giving us more time to gather and store supplies. According to redcross.org “Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.”

Don’t be unprepared this hurricane season. Below is a list of minimum basic supplies you should have, according to the Red Cross to be prepared this hurricane season:

1. Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

2. Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).

3. Flashlight

4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

5. Extra batteries

6. Deluxe family first aid kit

7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

8. Multi-purpose tool

9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items

10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

11. Cell phone with chargers

12. Family and emergency contact information

13. Extra cash

14. Emergency blanket

15. Map(s) of the area

More supplies to consider:

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit:

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)

• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

• Games and activities for children

• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

• Two-way radios

• Extra set of car keys and house keys

• Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

• N95 or surgical masks

• Rain gear

• Work gloves

• Tools/supplies for securing your home

• Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes

• Plastic sheeting

• Duct tape

• Household liquid bleach

• Entertainment items

• Blankets or sleeping bags