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National Guard soldiers provide water to storm victims. (Photo by FEMA) Supplies are a critical part of every family’s health and safety and should be gathered well in advance of hurricane season each year. Once a storm is imminent, time to shop will be limited, and if supplies are even available, you will have to search for them. Many residents of Southwest Florida experienced shortages on plywood, batteries, flashlights, water, generators and other such storm necessities during the recent busy hurricane seasons. Each time a storm was predicted to make landfall near Southwest Florida, lines were long, shelves were bare, and stress levels were high. It pays to be prepared! Supplies can be divided into several categories, but the essentials should be gathered and kept easily accessible throughout the hurricane season. Be sure to place the items that you will most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Keep gas tanks full. Keep cash on hand. Banks may not be open, ATMs may not be accessible, debit cards and credit cards may not be accepted if power is lost. Gather the essentials: One gallon of water per person per day. Additional water for food preparation and sanitation. Bags of ice. Supplies will be severely limited once a storm strikes. Partially fill plastic one-liter or larger soft drink bottles with water and place in the freezer. The bottles will freeze without cracking (stronger plastic than one gallon water bottles). If the power goes out, the frozen water will help keep the freezer cool and when the ice melts, the water will be drinkable. Keep gas tanks full. Supplies may be severely limited once a storm strikes. Keep cash on hand. Banks may not be open, ATMs may not be accessible, debit cards and credit cards may not be accepted if power is lost. Special needs If you have family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons, remember to include items and supplies that may be unique to their special situation. Documents to have with you: Important telephone numbers Record of bank account numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Record of credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods Copy of will, insurance policies, deeds, stocks and bonds Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records, etc. Groceries: Baby formula Bread, crackers Canned fruits Canned juice Canned meats Canned vegetables Dry cereal Instant coffee and tea Peanut butter Quick energy snacks Ready-to-eat soups Medical: First aid kits (for home and car) Insulin Denture needs Prescription drugs (minimum two-week supply) Aspirin or non-aspirin supply Contact lenses and supplies Heart and high blood pressure medicine Insect repellent Itch-relief cream Sanitation: Disinfectant Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels Soap and liquid detergent Personal hygiene items Household chlorine bleach Large bucket or trash can with lid for storing water to flush toilets Tools & Supplies: Traveler’s checks Battery-operated radio or television Flashlight and lanterns Extra batteries and extra bulbs Lighter or matches for your grill Antenna for your TV Extension cords (heavy duty and three-pronged) Thermos for hot food and coolers/ ice for cold food Manual can opener/utility knife Plastic sheeting/tarps Duct tape Generator Gas cans Old towels for clean up Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils Plastic trash bags Full propane tank Charcoal and lighter fluid Camp stove Sterno Tree saw for cutting fallen limbs Hand tools: knife, ax, pliers, screwdrivers, wrench Hammer and nails Fire extinguisher Fix-a-flat Mops, buckets and cleaning supplies