2022 Hurricane Preparation Guide

2022-05-18 Hurricane Guide

Hurricane Preparation

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Page 28 STAFF REPORT Wouldn't it be nice if everyone had an all-inclusive hurricane box ready to go when hurricane season is at its peak? While it may seem like a daunting — and expensive — propo- sition to put one of these together, it's a lot better if you do it one step at a time. To help residents complete a hurricane kit with minimal economic impact, the Charlotte County Emergency Manage- ment O ce suggests methodically stock- ing up on the things you'll need in a major weather emergency by shopping for a few things, week by week. Every week, buy a few of these items until you have everything you need. (The closer you are to the peak of hurricane season, the more you may have to purchase at one time.) FOOD • 1 gallon of water per person per day (at least two weeks' worth) • Bottles of juice • Cans of meat • Jars of peanut butter • Crackers • Dry cereal • Cans of fruit • Cans vegetables • Cans of soups • Snack bars, energy snacks (granola bars, raisins) • Instant co ee, tea, powdered drinks • Pet food, baby food (if needed) • Food for special diets (if needed) • Sandwich bread (freeze until needed) SUPPLIES • Liquid dish soap • Unscented liquid bleach • Mosquito repel- lent • At least one large tube toothpaste • At least one box of sanitizing wipes/hand sanitizer • Face masks • Plastic containers/ lids • Safety pins • Hand-cranked can opener • Wooden matches • Rolls of toilet paper • Rolls of paper towels • Large bottle of shampoo • Personal products • Flashlight/batter- ies • Hammers • Nails, wood screws • Smoke detector/ battery • Heavy work gloves • Duct tape • At least one of disposable dust masks • Screwdriver • Plastic safe- ty goggles • Handsaw and/or chain- saw, fuel • One pack- age of paper plates • One package eating utensils • One package pa- per/plastic cups • Large plastic bags for food • Plastic wrap • Aluminum foil • Battery-powered camping lantern • Generator and extra fuel • Broom, mop, bucket • Waterproof con- tainer for important papers • Portable radio (batteries or hand crank) • Blankets or sleep- ing bag for each person • Portable camp stove or grill • Stove fuel, char- coal, lighter fl uid • Whistle • ABC fi re extin- guisher • Pliers • Vice grips • Leash or pet carrier (if needed) • Tarps for tempo- rary roof repair • Crowbar • Hatchet • Camp- ing or utili- ty knife • Local and state road maps • Window covers and fasteners • Ice chest • Double-sided tape, zip ties, bungee cords • Masking tape FIRST AID ITEMS • Aspirin or acet- aminophen • Extra prescription medication • Extra hearing aid batteries • Rolls of gauze or bandage • First-aid tape • Adhesive bandages • Anti-diarrhea med- icine • Rubbing alcohol • 2 pair latex gloves • Hydrogen peroxide • Petroleum jelly • Scissors • Tweezers • Antiseptic • Thermometer • Spare eye- glasses, contact lens supplies • Items for denture care (if needed) A big plastic storage bin will work as a con- tainer, or use a cooler wrapped with a couple of bungee cords. The bungee cords also may come in handy. If you get through the season without using the supplies, there is a lot of practi- cal stu here that you won't need to buy next year. And you can always count your blessings and donate the food to a local pantry. Don't wait until the last minute to stock up Have a week's worth of supplies for after the storm STAFF REPORT Prepare to have at least a week's worth of supplies on hand to be comfortable and safe during and immediately after the storm. VITAL SUPPLIES • Water — At least 1 gallon per person, per day • Food — Nonperishable packaged or canned food, juic- es, dry milk; foods for infants or the elderly; snack foods. Plastic bottles or juice pouches hold up better in ice chests than cardboard juice boxes. • Formula, diapers and other baby items. • Medicines, prescription drugs. • Non-electric can opener. • First aid kit. • Cash — Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. • Battery-operated radio or TV. • Flashlights or lanterns. • Extra batteries. • Keys. • Pet care items — Proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash. • Important documents — insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, important phone numbers, family contacts — all in a waterproof container. • Fire extinguisher. HELPFUL ITEMS • Cooking tools, fuel. • Disposable plates, utensils and cups. • Disposable washcloths and towels. • Blankets and pillows. • Clothing — seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes. • Toiletries, hygiene items, moisture wipes, sanitizing wipes. • Toys, books and games. • Fuel — Make sure car is filled; keep extra in proper gas cans. • Filled propane tanks for grill. • Ice and ice chest — A plastic one will not sweat onto carpets or floors like Styrofoam ones. • Matches. • Non-electric clock. • Sterno. • Plastic drop cloth. • Cellular phone with extra batteries and/or car charger. • Portable generator. • Extension cords. • Tool kit. • Sunscreen. • Insect repellent. • Yard gloves for cleanup. • Extra chlorine for pools. • Current credit card and checks (in case large expenditures are needed and credit cards aren't accepted). • Trash bags. SHOPPING FOR STORM SUPPLIES PHOTO PROVIDED Keep policies and all other important papers in a waterproof container in a safe spot and backup any electronic devices. Data should be stored at an off-site location so it can be recov- ered if devices are damaged during a hurricane. Disaster Preparedness sales tax holiday A 14-day Disaster Preparedness sales tax holiday is from May 28-June 10 for supplies such as flashlights, radios, tarps, batteries, tie-down kits, fire extinguishers and more. New this year are certain pet supplies nec- essary for the evacuation of household pets. For a complete list of qualifying items, visit https://floridarevenue.com/pages/salestax- holidays.aspx.

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