The 2013 hurricane season begins today and the time to prepare is now!

The official hurricane season begins today and while we have been fortunate to live in an area that has been virtually free of hurricanes we still must be prepared.

The following is a suggested list to use for hurricane preparedness. While it is not intended to be an all inclusive checklist, it serves us all as a good starting point to be prepared.  Remember, the first 72 (hours) are on you!
□ WATER: Drinking water—at least 1 gallon per person/day for one-two weeks
□ MEDICAL: 4 weeks supply of prescription medicines, First Aid Kit, antiseptic, pain reliever, bandages, & insect repellent
□ ICE CHESTS: Two, one for ice, one for food & don’t forget the ice
□ CASH/GAS: ATM’s, credit cards, & gas pumps may not work
□ REPAIR SUPPLIES: Plastic tarp for windows or roof repair, duct tape
□ TOOLS: Manual can opener, hammer, nails
□ PAPER/DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS: Paper towels, disposable plates, cups, toilet paper, & eating utensils
□ INFANT NECESSITIES: Medicine, sterile water, formula, diapers, bottles, OTC meds
□ BATTERY OPERATED APPLIANCES: Radio, camera, portable television, fans, and batteries
□ CLEAN UP SUPPLIES: Mop, buckets, towels, plastic garbage bags, bleach/disinfectant
□ FIRE/LIGHT: Charcoal, lighting fluid, propane, matches, lanterns/flashlights and batteries
□ LINENS: Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses Try to wash all laundry prior to storm.
□ PERSONAL HYGIENE: Deodorant, disposable wipes, contact lens solution, toothpaste, etc.
□ NONPERISHABLE FOOD: Powdered/canned milk, canned/bottled juice, canned meats & fish—Spam, chicken, ham, tuna, cereal, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, bread
□ WATER TIGHT CONTAINERS FOR DOCUMENT STORAGE: Place insurance policies, birth certificates, wills, proof of pet vaccinations, etc. in water tight containers
Pet food and pet carriers.  Don't forget about Fido and Fluffy!  Should you decide to leave the area with your pets and need motel accommodations, visit:  http://www.petswelcome.com/  for "pet friendly" accommodations.

Also, visit http://floridadisaster.org/ for disaster planning, etc.

Additional useful websites:
National Hurricane Center:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Bay News 9 Klystron radar pictures:  http://www.baynews9.com/weather/klystron9
There are even iphone apps for hurricane tracking! 
Lastly, consider purchasing an emergency radio/flashlight such as this one.