With Hurricane Season in full-swing and Hurricane Ian potentially headed our way, we should all be prepared. I lived in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria hit in 2017 as a Category 4 storm. A majority of the island thought it wasn’t going to be a big deal, that it would miss us like it always does. Well, it didn’t miss us and in fact, it ended up being the biggest storm to hit the island in nearly a century. I was glad our family prepared for the “just in case” scenario.

At the top of my list of how you can prepare for the “what-ifs” of hurricane season is to have an emergency kit. Here are some items you should have in yours based on recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).:

• Water – at least one gallon per day, per person in the household, for at least 3 days.
• Food – have at least 3 days of non-perishable food to last each person in the household for at least 3 days.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Additional Emergency Supplies – Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
• Charge the kids iPads

My hope is that you have these supplies and never have to use them. However, it’s always better to be safe, than sorry.

Stay safe, Florida