Ready For

Ready for Anything

As we move into the recovery phase of the coronavirus pandemic, Floridians brace for a well-known seasonal foe with an unpredictable impact. Hurricane season begins June 1, so it’s time to consider the annual rituals of preparing for the worst, while hoping for the best. By: Stephanie Sharp

Mindful preparedness can take on different forms for different family units. Now is the perfect time to review the recommendations from FEMA and other government agencies on how to protect your property, develop an evacuation plan and guidance on how to best stay informed about impending storms.

Another important aspect of disaster resilience that can serve many useful purposes is stocking your emergency supplies and securing your personal possessions. If the recent public health crisis has taught us anything, it’s that many of us are perhaps a bit too comfortable in our day-to-day routines and haven’t spent much time accounting for possibilities of events beyond our control.

Luckily, with a little bit of foresight and creativity, you can set yourself and your loved ones up with a reliable emergency kit to fit your unique needs and priorities. You can find a comprehensive list from FEMA at ready.gov/prepare, but we wanted to highlight a few elements that you can tailor to more sustainable options to suit your lifestyle. Ultimately, try to set aside what your family typically uses when possible to give extra comfort in distressing circumstances.

SOLAR POWERED BATTERY - For charging devices (like cell phones) and appliances

GLASS JUGS/GROWLERS - Fill with safe drinking water before a storm hits (1 gallon per day, per person)

SHELF STABLE FOOD - Choose nutrient and calorie dense foods that you actually like to eat LIGHT SOURCES - Solar powered options are great, don’t forget matches and batteries as needed

PET SUPPLIES - Water, food, medication and treats to match your human supplies

RADIO - Don’t for get batteries if you need them, but crank and solar powered options create less waste

MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS - Fill pill organizers and label with names to save space

BATHROOM PRODUCTS - Soap, dental care and hygiene items

CRITICAL INFO - Save documents and records in a waterproof storage system

ADDRESS/PHONE LIST - Copy down numbers for neighbors, loved ones, emergency services in case your devices are compromised

PROTECTIVE GEAR - Face masks, gloves, sturdy shoes and clothing for each person

“GO” BAG - Pack vital personal items in a reliable bag

CREATURE COMFORTS - Blankets, sleeping mats, entertainment to keep you sane and safe

Keep an inventory of your gear in an easily accessible location and review it regularly for any times that might need to be replaced or exchanged. If your household already has a wellstocked emergency kit, consider if you can spare items to share with your neighbors in need. We might not be able to control or escape a crisis, but it is within our power to face the threat with preparation instead of panic and be ready to serve our community in the process.

* This article serves as a supplement for informational purposes only. Please visit ready.gov for more information on how to prepare for a natural disaster.