ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane season is well underway.
Even when there is not an active storm on the horizon, it’s crucial to stay prepared.
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The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has some tips on what supplies you need to gather for your emergency supply kit.
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The following nine items are from that list:
- Water - The average person needs at least 2 quarts of water daily. Children and nursing mothers might need more.
- Food - Ready-to-eat canned foods, fruits and vegetables; high-energy snacks like protein bars, crackers, or nuts; comfort foods and foods for infants and individuals with special needs. Plastic utensils, paper cups and paper plates will help avoid large messes.
- Pet food
- First-aid kit
- Clothing - The DOH recommends a complete change of clothing, a hat, sturdy shoes, gloves and rain gear.
- Bedding - A warm blanket and a sleeping bag are ideal.
- Tools - Tools such as a wrench and pliers might be useful.
- Emergency supplies - Examples would be a flashlight, extra batteries, cash, coins, personal hygiene items, toilet paper, soap, detergent, a compass, a fire extinguisher, tape and garbage bags.
- Important family documents - These would be insurance paperwork, birth certificates, bank information, photographs of family members and identification cards.
Officials with the Department of Health said you should keep your kits in sealed plastic bags within easy-to-carry duffel bags or containers. They suggested keeping the bags near your planned exit and updating the items every year.
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For more information on hurricane preparedness and making an emergency kit, click here.
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