Hurricane season begins on June 1. Are you ready? Meteorologists are predicting above-average activity for the Atlantic hurricane season this year. They say the season will likely include 17 named storms and 8 hurricanes.
Anyone who has lived in Florida long enough knows that a hurricane or tropical storm can take you by surprise and upend your routine, even if it’s a mild storm. Now’s the time to prepare for a hurricane so you’re not rushing off to the store with thousands of other people, hoping to grab some extra bottles of water. Here’s a checklist of what you should have on hand in your emergency kit so you’re ready for a hurricane this hurricane season. We’ve made sure to add a few extra items related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- A gallon of water per person, per day. Plan to have a three-day supply on hand for evacuations and a two-week supply in case you must stay at home without leaving.
- One or more flashlights
- Ready-to-eat food that will not spoil easily
- A First-Aid kit
- A seven-day supply of any medications you and your loved ones use. You could also ask your health providers if they will write a prescription you can fill and have specifically in the event of a hurricane.
- Extra cash
- Pet food that will last a week or more, if you have pets, as well as any pet supplies you use often
- Baby supplies such as diapers, formula, and bottles, if you have a baby at home
- Masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal hygiene items
- A copy of medical information, your ID, and your COVID-19 vaccination card, if you have one
- A multipurpose tool such as a Swiss army knife
- Soap and liquid detergent
- Extra clothing
- Sturdy shoes (you may have to venture outside and need protective shoes)
- Board games, books, and other entertainment items that don’t require batteries or electricity
Keep any items you would need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container that will not break easily. For more details on what you should have at the ready for hurricane season, read the following lists from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative.
Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care Management
At Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.
