Dear Friend,

Right now, there’s a storm making its way through the tropics towards Florida. This storm will be named Isaias and is projected to reach our area by Sunday. Floridians know tropical storms mean strong winds and heavy rains – and while we know how to weather a storm, it’s a good idea to begin preparing NOW before a disaster hits.  

I’ve compiled a list of things you must do to prepare yourself and your family as soon as possible. 

Here are the three steps every household must take before this storm hits:

FIRST, make sure you have everything you need. Not sure what to stock up on? Here’s a list of what to put in your storm preparedness kit: 

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Family and emergency contact information
• Map(s) of the area
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Deluxe family first aid kit
• Extra cash
• Extra batteries
• Flashlight 
• Cell phone with chargers
• Emergency blanket

SECOND, make sure you have a plan for when a storm hits:

• Talk with household members about what you would do during emergencies.
• Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet - one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
• Choose a contact person from out of the area and make sure all household members have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
• Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
• Don’t forget your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

THIRD, be informed.

• Be sure to check Florida’s Division of Emergency Management’s website regularly for weather and storm updates
• Make sure to monitor the weather and emergency protocol from our local officials