Get ready for hurricane season

Once again, hurricane season is approaching and Florida residents must do what they can to take necessary precautions.

Hurricanes are strong and potentially life-threatening storms that are dangerous, but simple preparations can make all the difference when dealing with these potential disasters.

As most Floridians are aware, along with hurricanes come possible flooding, storm surges, high winds and tornadoes.

The Emergency Services Manager for the North Central Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross, Casey Schmelz, said that following three simple steps can help to prepare you.

“If you follow all three steps then you should be prepared for any disaster, whether it comes with warning, or without,” Schmelz said. “Get kit, make a plan and stay informed are the three highlights one should focus on for hurricane safety.”

With the coming of a hurricane, meteorologists use two specific terms to help warn the residents of expected contact.

Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning may sound similar, but in fact have two separate and distinct meanings.

Hurricane Watch means conditions may be affected within 48 hours. If a watch is displayed for your place of residency, make all the necessary preparations and make sure to repeatedly listen for any new updates.

Hurricane Warning estimates the hurricane will reach the location within 36 hours. If a hurricane warning is shown, make sure to finish all preparations, listen for updates, and be prepared to leave an area if directed to do so.

Making a plan for each of these can only help to benefit in case of an emergency. Make sure to plan with other members of the household of what exactly to do in case of an emergency and be aware of Alachua County’s emergency response plan.

“Once a year you should take a look at your plan because things can change,” Schmelz said.

Supplies are essential during hurricane season and making a kit can ensure that all necessary supplies are available at the time when needed most.

At the beginning of each hurricane season, a person should go through his or her stock and guarantee that all items have not expired, and promptly replace any items which have reached their expiration date.

It is recommended that the supplies should support the average family for three days. Too many supplies will prohibit mobility and make it harder for a quick evacuation.

Extraneous items located around a residency should be removed or securely fastened; all doors and windows should be closed and locked, and the gas tank of the car should be filled. Also, anything that can be unplugged or turned off should be.

And remember to consider household pets and their needs as well.

The last step is to stay informed.

Schmelz said to listen to the news either with the local media or radio and to constantly listen for any updates that could be considered valuable information.

When dealing with hurricanes, a person should be wise to follow the five P’s of life: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Necesssary Items

- One gallon of water per person per day

- Non-refrigerated food such as protein bars, canned food

- Flashlight w/ batteries

- Cell phone w/ charger

- First aid kit

- hand sanitizer

- bleach

- disinfecting wipes

- medicine

- radio

- copies of important documents (license, passport, birth certificate, etc.)

- tools

- map

- cash

- contact information

- extra clothing

- extra keys (house, car, etc.)

- pet food