How to prepare for hurricane season How to prepare for hurricane season

How to prepare for hurricane season

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Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1. Since hurricanes caused major damage in Florida and the Carolinas in 2016 and 2017, planning for a storm can help keep your family safe.

While people who live in coastal areas are at most risk, hurricanes also bring high winds and rain inland. Hurricane Irma in September 2017 caused rock slides and cut power to hundreds of thousands of customers in the mountains of North Carolina and South Carolina.

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Ready.gov is a good resource for preparing for a storm. Government agencies recommend developing a plan and discussing it with family and friends, assembling an emergency kit, safeguarding important documents and signing up for emergency alerts from your local government.

Emergency kit checklist

These are items to include in your family’s emergency kit:

  • Three-day supply of water (1 gallon/person/day)
  • Three-day supply of nonperishable food (include a manual can opener if using canned food)
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlight and extra batteries                     
  • Whistle
  • Filter mask (or cotton T-shirt)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Cellphone charger
  • Moist towelettes
  • Wrench or pliers
  • Tape
  • Gloves
  • Documents
  • Emergency numbers
  • Unique family needs including prescription medications, infant formula, diapers, etc.
  • Pet supplies

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