Animals Could Use Your Leftover Hurricane Supplies

Luckily, we did not have any storms impact us here in Pinellas County during the hurricane season. That means that you may have a lot of extra non-perishable food and batteries left in your hurricane kit.

Pinellas County's Emergency Management Department has some suggestions about what you can do with your hurricane stockpile.

Non-Perishable Food

• If the expiration date is near, you can donate the food to your local food bank, which in our case is , an organization that happens to have a great need for donations right now. F.E.A.S.T is located at 2255 Nebraska Ave. (727) 789-5275
• The is always looking for donations of the following food items: peanut butter, raisins, dried fruit, decaf tea bags, fruit juice, Gatorade, sugar-free Kool-Aid, oatmeal, unsalted nuts, shredded coconut, whole grain cereals and granola bars. The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is located at 4600 Alt. 19. (727) 943-5897.
• If the expiration date is near, you can also move the non-perishable food in your hurricane kit to your family's normal food pantry.
• If the food's expiration date is a year away, you can leave it in your hurricane kit for use next year.

Pet Food

• If you do not want to keep the food for your own pets, the and the  accept donations of dog and cat food. The Suncoast Animal League is located at 1030 Pennsylvania Ave. (727) 786-1330. The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is located at 4600 Alt. 19. (727) 943-5897.

Batteries

• You can use leftover batteries for battery-operated toys and gadgets you may be giving to others over the holidays.
• If the expiration date is a year away, you can leave the batteries in your hurricane kit for use next year.

Cleaning Supplies

• If you do not want to keep cleaning supplies for your family, the  and the  accept donations of cleaning supplies. The Suncoast Animal League is located at 1030 Pennsylvania Ave. (727) 786-1330. The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is located at 4600 Alt. 19. (727) 943-5897.

Pinellas County's Emergency Management Department also suggests that when you're sending out holiday cards, go ahead and update your emergency contact list for family and friends, so you'll have the most up-to-date phone numbers and email information.

Pinellas County’s Emergency Management website offers valuable preparedness information for hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemic influenza and other natural and man-made hazards.