With the start of another hurricane season, don't let yourself be caught off guard if disaster strikes. Remain vigilant and monitor the news regarding any potential storm or disaster event. Every year, we are reminded of the importance of being hurricane ready, so it´s a great time to revisit and familiarize ourselves with pointers to keep us safe during the next six months. It seems this year has been predicted to be a very active season, and even if we are spared (hopefully), we must be ready for the worst.

Before a storm:

• Know evacuation centers near your area in the event an evacuation order is issued, or you feel the need to consider it as a last resort.

• Prepare a hurricane supply kit. Some of the items should be:

o 7-day supply of non-perishable foods

o 7-day supply of water (1 gallon per day per person including pets)

o Flashlights

o First aid kit

o Battery powered portable television or radio

o Formula, baby food, and diapers

o If a storm is brewing, make sure you have any medications available to last until you’re able to get refills

• Prune trees and correctly dispose of all tree cuttings before a storm. Never when there’s an advisory of an impending weather alert.

• If you have hurricane shutters, test them out and inspect for rust or loose screws, etc.

• Review your insurance policy.

• Make an inventory of personal property. Take pictures of the items and record the serial numbers if possible.

• Look into getting a safety deposit box at your bank for expensive jewelry that you may not wear on a regular basis or to store documents such as a will, power of attorney, titles to your house or vehicles. Digitally record them but keep originals in a safe location.

• Have enough cash to cover necessities for at least three days.

• Have an updated list of emergency contacts.

• Store important documents (driver’s license, ID cards, Social Security cards, passports, birth certificates) in waterproof container or bag. Have digital copies of those important documents.

• It’s a good time to update your neighborhood watch phone chain and if your neighborhood doesn’t participate in a crime watch group, maybe consider starting one. In the least, exchange contact information with a few of your neighbors (especially the elderly or those with special needs).

During a storm:

• Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows.

• Fight the temptation to go outside during the eye of the storm.

• Monitor and listen to advisories for weather updates and instructions from local emergency management and law enforcement.

• If your home begins to fall apart, get in the tub and pull a mattress over you to protect yourself from debris.

After a storm:

• Do not walk or drive through standing water.

• Store fuel in an approved container.

• Operate generators outside in a well-ventilated area.

• Contact your insurance agent and take pictures of the damage.

Prepare now and don’t wait until the last minute! The tips above are just a few reminders of what we need to do to be prepared during this hurricane season. For more information on being hurricane ready, visit www.miamidade.gov/global/emergency/hurricane/home.page or www.fema.gov.

Until next time, be aware, make good choices, and be safe! To contact our office, call 305-470-1670 or visit our website www.citizenscrimewatch.org.