Here we are again in another hurricane season. Though some years bring lots of luck with fewer storms, it’s a good idea that we all start the 
season out by being prepared for anything. In addition to securing your home and your business with the proper shutters and protections, you need to make sure that you are prepared to ride out the storm if you plan on staying.
Here are some hurricane season emergency kit items you can stock up on early to avoid the stress of long lines and empty shelves.
Batteries & Chargers
When you are left for days without power following a storm, you will need to rely primarily on battery or solar-powered energy. You’ll likely need your cell phone, even if only for emergencies or to take photos of the damage caused by the storm for insurance reporting. Make sure you have extra battery packs charged and ready to go. Additionally, invest in a solar charger. Where there is sun, there is power. Make sure you have extra batteries for flashlights and other devices that will need power in the coming days.
Sanitary Items & Medications
Make sure that you have enough medications to last at least for a week or more. Businesses may be closed for some time after a storm, so retrieving additional medicine following a storm will be challenging. Consider stocking up on aspirins and first-aid medications as well as any prescriptions. Prepare ahead of time by having over-the-counter medications ready to go in your emergency kit.
Baby & Pet Supplies
Something that is often overlooked is the need for items such as diapers, kitty litter, or other items for your baby or pet that may not be available following a storm. Make sure you have plenty of baby wipes and pet supplies for at least two weeks after a big storm.
Non-Perishable Food Items
In your hurricane season emergency kit, you should also have enough food for each member of the family for at least two weeks after the storm. These items should be in a non-perishable form as refrigeration may be unavailable.
Extra Cash & Gasoline
ATMs run on electricity and may not be available following a storm, meaning you should take out the cash you think you may need for several days prior to the storm. Consider the fact that if some stores do open operations, they may not have full power or access to credit card machines and therefore, the city may be running on a cash economy.
Also, ensure that you have enough gasoline for each car in the family. Not only should your car be full at the time of the storm, but you may also want to safely store additional gasoline tanks in case you need it at a later time.
Personal Documents & Emergency Contact Numbers
Keep copies of all of your personal documents such as birth certificates, medical insurance and documents, and property insurance information in a secure, waterproof container. These documents may be necessary immediately following a storm, and therefore should be easily accessible.
It’s also a good idea to write down emergency contact numbers. In the cell phone age, we are used to having easy access to all of our essential numbers in our phone but remember that your cell phone may not be working, and you may have to use someone else’s phone, so it’s important to have those numbers written down in a safe place.
We hope that everyone has a safe hurricane season. In the event of a storm where there is damage to your home, contact us at Panter, Panter & Sampedro to assist you with any homeowners’ insurance claims. We can be reached at 305-662-6178.
