Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, but for Floridians it seems to last the whole year. Even so, it is important to review hurricane preparedness as we progress further into the season. To do that, here’s a 6 step guide on how to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared in the case on an emergency.

In the case of an emergency, it is important that every member of the home is informed of procedures that will take place if/ when a hurricane makes landfall. These procedures can range from boarding up windows, preparing sand bags, or even if evacuation will be necessary. Reminding children of emergency contacts in the case of separation is a good course of action in these meetings as well.

Whether ‘valuables’ includes antiquities, vehicles, or technology, it’s important to make plans to ensure that these items are not damaged. This can be unplugging devices so that the battery isn’t ruined by a power outage or deciding where to store an automobile, boat, or RV. Protecting valuables from a possible storm will make recuperating from any destruction that much easier.

Every home has different needs; where a neighbor might need baby formula, you may need prescription medication. Make sure to stock up on water, first-aid supplies, any prescription medication, and non-perishable foods. Collecting sand for sand bags or wood for boarding up windows may be necessary for your home, but that is for each individual to decide. Determine needed supplies; avoid stockpiling supplies that won’t be necessary in your home to avoid spending extra money.

This step is especially important for those who are disabled or have loved ones who may need assistance. Prepare a list with people that you can count on to help before, during, or after an emergency including these individuals’ contact information. A list containing health information, including doctors, insurance policy numbers, current medications, medical conditions, allergies, etc., is essential for those who are disabled or dependent on electricity for medical needs.

Though every home should have a well-equipped first-aid kit year round, hurricane season is the perfect time to check the condition of the equipment, replace any expired equipment, or even build a proper first aid kit. Essentials to have in a first-aid kit include, but are not limited to:

• Sterile adhesive bandages (in assorted sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Cleansing agent/ soap
• Latex gloves

It is also important to note that first-aid kits should include any prescription medication or emergency medication that someone in the home may need. Devices such as inhalers, for example, should be refilled in the case of an emergency in the home.

Knowing in what ways a hurricane may affect you and/ or your home is one of the most important steps to being prepared for a hurricane. Those with special circumstances, such as those with disabilities, elderly, children, and animals in the home should go to their local government’s hurricane preparedness websites and see any extra preparations that should be made to ensure proper safety procedures are followed.

Floridians are no strangers to major storms such as hurricanes, but these storms can always cause a fright. Before anything else, it is important to stay calm and collected when faced with the unknown of what these natural disasters may bring. After all, these storms may end up being a rainy day spent inside.