JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The weekend before Tropical Storm Ian is anticipated to come toward Florida is a great time to start double-checking your hurricane kits -- or creating one.
Although Floridians are uncertain of Ian’s impact, it’s best to be prepared for whatever is ahead.
Ensure your first-aid kit is up to date with items such as adhesive bandages, medicine or prescriptions, gauze, ice packs and gloves.
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Here are a few items to check off your list as you prepare your hurricane kit:
- Make sure you check the expiration date on items like your medicine and canned goods
- Batteries -- replace the old ones and stock up on another set if you need more
- Flashlights
- Ponchos
- Radios
- Whistles to call for help
- Toilet paper
You also want to have food like chips, canned goods or sandwiches -- foods that don’t require a microwave or electricity. Make sure to get enough water for everyone in your house.
You should also fill up your tank and check on your generators -- they may need gas too.
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Check your documents as well.
It’s recommended to collect all birth certificates, medical records, any important documents, and insurance policies and store them in a plastic bag or have them scanned so you can have electronic copies.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis issued a public service announcement Saturday urging people to prepare.
“Tropical Storm Ian, in the next few days, will more than likely become a hurricane. What I want you to do is take your smartphone, go walk outside your house, and shoot a video of what it looks like today. Then, go back inside your house and shoot that same video inside. If you are affected by this storm, this will give you a cut-and-dry example of what your house looks like before and after the storm if you had damage,” Patronis said.
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It’s also important to have your own safety plan in place and know if you’re in a flood zone.
Our 2022 Hurricane Survival Guide includes a printable checklist for your supply kit (Page 17).