Be Aware. Be Prepared. As hurricane season begins, we encourage you to gather supplies and create a Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Kit. When a disaster hits, having the right emergency supplies can mean the difference between life and death. Be ready for whatever storm lies ahead by packing these supplies in a ready-to-go fashion.

Checklist:

• Water (When in doubt, have more than enough water. A general tip is 1 gallon per person per day)
• Medications
• Flashlights
• Batteries (Gather enough batteries for a three-day supply)
• Matches
• Multi-purpose tool
• Non-perishable food (Family members will each need enough food for three days)
• Personal toiletry items
• First aid kit
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Sleeping bags/blankets
• Essentials for your pets
• Whistle

Tips:

• Select a waterproof container/bag for all supplies.
• Gather important documents and store a stash of cash.
• Make an emergency plan.
• Store your emergency kit in a safe place.
• Adjust your kit and plan as your family structure changes.
• Keep a local map in your kit to follow evacuation routes.
• Stay informed with social media and/or local news media.
• Keep an extra cell phone and charger on-hand.

Look in your weekly ad for the Hurricane Preparedness Icon placed with suggested supplies.