Hurricane Preparedness from the State of Florida

Preparing for Tropical Storm Events

Tallahassee – When tropical storms threaten the state, The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends that Florida residents and visitors establish emergency plans and disaster kits. Once prepared, keep the kit maintained.

The disaster supply kit should include items in six basic areas: water, food, first aid supplies and medications, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and important family documents.

Tips for Making Your Kit

* Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags.
* Gather the kit’s items in easy-to-carry containers or duffel bags. Put kit within reach of your most often used exit.
* Check and update your kit and family needs at least once a year.

DOH also advises families with children to prepare their children by presenting a realistic picture of what is happening, being both honest and manageable, and assembling a supply kit for their children. Your child’s kit should include:
* A few favorite books, crayons and paper
* Puzzles, a board game, deck of cards
* Two favorite small toys, such as a doll or action figure, a stuffed animal
* Favorite blanket, pillow
* Pictures of family and pets
* Other special items that will comfort children:
A battery-powered weather radio equipped with a special alarm tone feature is a vital tool.

During an emergency, National Weather Service forecasters will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out the special tone that activates weather radios in the listening area.

The supply kit will be valuable if you are confined to your home or evacuated to a place other than a well-stocked shelter.

For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us
or http://www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line is (800) 342-3557 and the Public Information Emergency Support Function is (850) 921-0384.