Prepare for Hurricane Season

As hard as it is to believe, June 1st marked the beginning of yet another hurricane season and every indication is that we are all in for above-normal storm activity.

Last year we were caught off guard by the wrath of Hurricane Wilma. Our community came to a dangerous standstill as millions lost power and thousands were forced out of their homes and into temporary shelters.

Hurricane Preparedness 2

Rep Wasserman Schultz joined Reps. Ros-Lehtinen,
Meek, Klein and Deutch to discuss the roles that federal and
local officials have before, during and after a hurricane.

Yet we all know that as bad as Wilma was, we must be prepared for a storm that could be much worse.

Working on behalf of South Floridians, I recently held a hurricane preparedness symposium with federal, state, and local government officials as well as local business and community leaders. Through this open dialogue I sought to provide a forum where key disaster planning and response officials could sit down, face-to-face to discuss what they’ve learned and what they need.

Each household and business should devise a plan of action in preparation for this year’s hurricane season. Issues such as where to go and how to evacuate should be made in advance.

To help you with your plan of action I have provided a list of important telephone numbers and a hurricane preparedness checklist to help you and your family plan and prepare for this year’s hurricane season.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact my district offices at: 954-437-3936 or 305-936-5724

Thank You

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist:

Cash or travelers checks
Fill up your car’s gas tank
Emergency contact phone numbers
Fire extinguisher
Clean containers to store drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day
3-day supply of food (canned and dried goods are best)
Manual can opener
Hand tools: hammer, nails, ax, knife, pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers
Electric drill with screwdriver bits to install bolts for window protection
Unscented household bleach to purify water, 8 drops per gallon of water
Soap and plastic container
At least one flashlight per person with spare batteries
Spare batteries for other needs

Battery-operated radio, with weather band
First-aid kit: bandages, gauze, scissors,petroleum jelly, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin, thermometer, rubbing alcohol
Extra prescription medicine
Copies of important documents
Matches (wooden ones are best)
Disposable eating utensils and plates
Hygiene and personal care items
Mosquito repellent
Whistle or air horn
Disinfectant
Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (Do not take gas grills indoors)
Large trash bags
Rope or heavy cord, 100 feet
Tarpaulin, canvas or anything to make a temporary roof repair