You can never be too prepared for an emergency – keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own for at least five (5) days. If possible keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container.  Each family should have their own emergency supply kit put together to match your own individual needs. Take into consideration those in your household with disabilities, seniors, young children and pets – build your kit to match your situation and needs.

Be prepared, stay safe!

Emergency Supply Kit (To Stay or Go)

* Water: one gallon per person per day plus extra for pets
* Food: non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods and manual can opener
* Flashlight: hand crank model or battery operated with extra batteries
* Water treatment: iodine tablets or unscented chlorine bleach and an eyedropper
* Phone: wireless phone, fully charged with charger or extra battery
* Documents: copies of important documents (insurance, photo ID) place items in a
waterproof, portable container like a zip lock bag.
* Emergency communication card: list of local and out-of-state friends and family and
their emergency contact information.
* Personal items: soap, feminine products, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc
* Whistle:  for signaling family and rescuers
* First aid kit: to treat minor family injuries
* Cash: be sure to carry a mix of small bill cash and credit cards
* Keys: an extra set for home and car
* Clothing: extra seasonal clothing for changing weather
* Matches: in a waterproof container
* Fire extinguisher: for protection against fire
* Tarp, tent, umbrella or poncho: in case of rain
* Tools: wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Meal kit: a set of compact cooking and eating utensils for preparing meals
* Paper and pencil: to write important information.

For more preparedness information contact your local, state and federal emergency management resources.

Hurricane season has begun and even though the National Weather Service is not predicting a severe hurricane season, there’s the possibility of four to eight storms forming in the Atlantic.  An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. (This is according to NOAA, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration).

Local communities are holding meetings and classes and posting information on their municipal websites to educate the public about what to expect and how to prepare for a severe tropical storm or a major hurricane.

We would like to remind everyone that being prepared includes having a detailed Inventory of all your personal/business property and assets.  Know what you have and what it’s all worth by having a complete detailed Home/Business Inventory performed and having it stored somewhere other than your home – it’s part of being prepared!

You won’t realize until a catastrophic event happens how difficult it is to remember everything that was damaged or destroyed in order to be treated fairly by your insurance company. It’s our responsibility as homeowners and business owners to protect ourselves – NOT the Insurance Company’s, Document, Document and Document! 

For more information on how to prepare for hurricane season contact your local, state and federal emergency management resources.