Are you prepared?

From June to November, hurricane season is happening. Everyone should take cautionary steps to protect your home and to prepare your family for evacuation if necessary.

You and your family should have an evacuation plan if a hurricane approaches. Contact a family friend who would provide you shelter from the incoming hurricane. Make an emergency kit that you can take quickly. Here is an example list of an emergency kit:

• Battery-operated C-PAP
• Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each family member)
• First aid kit
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Special items: prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows

Prepare your house for a hurricane storm and/or a storm surge (water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm, which can cause severe flooding in coastal areas). The lawn, trees, roof, and windows are just some of the things that need to be properly checked. Any hardware store like Lowe's or Home Depot should have the materials and knowledgeable employees that will help you protect your home. This link will lead you to an interactive flash that will show you which areas of your house need preparation and care. Below are some links that are more in depth of what is needed to be done for hurricane season.

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/hazard/hurricane/2010/hurricane_week_preparedness_factsheet_ready.pdf
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml