How To Prepare Your Home, Family For Hurricane As Idalia Approaches

FLORIDA — From Gov. Ron DeSantis to the TV weather forecaster, Floridians are being urged to prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia's landfall as what could be a dangerous Category 3 hurricane.

FloridaDisaster.org is a website that walks Floridians through the process of setting up a family or business plan by listing your name, address and county of residence. It then asks you how many family members you have in your household and any special needs.

You also note how many dogs, cats or other pets you have in your residence and list an out-of-town contact who your household members can check in with if you become separated.

It also asks you to select a common meeting location in case your home is inaccessible.

Residents should complete these safety precautions before a storm arrives:

• Sign up for alerts and warnings from your county and state, as well as NOAA Weather Radio https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
• Make a plan - visit https://www.ready.gov/plan
• Know hurricane evacuation zones - visit KnowYourZone. Determine in advance where you will stay, how you will get there and what supplies you will take with you if you are ordered to evacuate. Plan your departure time so ample time is allowed to get to a safe area.
• Medically dependent Floridians can receive extra assistance during disasters by registering with their counties to provide critical info to first responders. Register at http://FloridaDisaster.org/SNR
• Make and test a family communications plan. Designate a central contact number with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps out of town. Text messages will go through when voice lines are overloaded
• Safeguard valuable documents both physically and digitally

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• 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)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Evacuation Kit
Include face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfectants in a go-bag to prevent the spread of the coronavirus if you are evacuated. Also, make sure you include:

• Medications, copy of medical records & prescriptions
• Soap, toothbrush & toothpaste
• Clothes
• Bedding
• Identification
• Cash
• Birth & marriage certificates
• Documents that prove where you live
• List of emergency contacts
• Insurance policies
• Pet supplies

Here's some additional tips:

• Make sure that emergency equipment, such as hurricane shutters and battery-powered radios, are in good working order
• Make sure that you have enough emergency supplies like non-perishable food and water for each person in your home to last for at least three days
• Store whatever materials you will need to properly secure your home
• Secure yard and construction debris so they do not pose a hazard during the storm
• If you or someone you know requires skilled nursing care, has medical equipment that relies on electricity, needs assistance with daily living, or may need assistance evacuating during a disaster, be sure to register them with your county or city's local emergency evacuation assistance program.

Tips For Pet Owners
The American Veterinary Medical Association has published "Pets and Disasters," a resource for pet owners that includes tips on how to create a pet evacuation kit, what to do if your pet is lost and what to do after a disaster.

Be prepared for a disaster with a pet evacuation kit. Assemble the kit well in advance of any emergency and store in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container close to an exit.

Food and Medicine To Have For Your Pets:

• Three to seven days worth of dry and canned food
• Two-week supply of medicine for your pet
• Seven-day supply of water for your pet
• Feeding dish and water bowl
• Liquid dish soap

First Aid Kit

• Anti-diarrhea liquid or tablets
• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandage tape and scissors
• Cotton bandage rolls
• Flea and tick prevention (if needed in your area)
• Isopropyl alcohol or alcohol prep pads
• Latex gloves
• Saline solution
• Towel and washcloth
• Tweezers

Sanitation

• Litter, litter pan, and scoop (shirt box with plastic bag works well for pan)
• Newspaper, paper towels, and trash bags
• Household chlorine beach or disinfectant

Important Documents

• Identification papers including proof of ownership
• Medical records and medication instructions
• Emergency contact list, including veterinarian and pharmacy
• Photo of your pet (preferably with you)

Travel Supplies

• Crate or pet carrier labeled with your contact information
• Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash
• Flashlight, extra batteries
• Muzzle

Comfort Items

• Favorite toys and treats
• Extra blanket or familiar bedding

In addition to these tips, you might also want to make sure your pet is chipped and that you have a recent photo of your pet with you in case they get lost.

Find more tips and advice on the federal government's Ready.gov website.