Prepare your hurricane Disaster Supply Kit

June 1, 2016 Announcements

It only takes one storm to change your life and community. We live in the hurricane belt, and therefore you need to be prepared. One of the first that is needed is a Disaster Supply Kit.

A Disaster Supply Kit would have the necessary supplies to get you through the first few days after a storm has struck. A devastating hurricane could leave the country without water and electricity for several days if not longer, and therefore it is very important to have a minimum of one week of supplies for each person in the household.

The Disaster Supply Kit should contain non-perishable food, water and medicine (fill prescriptions before the storm); non-electric can opener; first-aid kit; extra cash (ATM machines and credit cards won’t work if there no electricity); battery powered radio and flashlights as well as extra batteries; make sure cell phones are all charged prior to the arrival of the hurricane; fill up your car/truck with gas; check if your home and automobile insurance are up to date; put ID cards, passports and driver’s license in a waterproof bag along with other important documents.

If you are a parent with infant or young kids, you also need to have essential items as part of your disaster supply kit: formula; diapers; bottles; powdered milk; medications; moist towels; diaper rash ointment;

You are advised to begin to prepare timely for the Atlantic hurricane season, and to have the necessary plans in place before the peak of the season (August – October). The hurricane season opens on June 1^st.

The second named-storm of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season formed last Friday, Bonnie and made landfall over the weekend in South Carolina, USA.

Use the quiet part of the season to trim back tree branches from your home; cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.

The 2016 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.