It’s August, mid-hurricane season, and now is the perfect time to give your emergency supply kit a check-up. You and your family rely on your emergency supply kit to have the critical items you need to stay healthy and safe during a disaster, so it is important to make sure all your supplies are still up to date. If you used some of your kit’s supplies during Tropical Storm Andrea or other emergencies, this is great opportunity to replace them. Follow these helpful tips to ensure your emergency supply kit sustains you and your family throughout the remainder of hurricane season and beyond.

• Check items that require batteries, such as flashlights or medical equipment, to ensure they are fully charged.
• Check expiration dates of your kit’s healthy food and snacks and replace if outdated.
• Ensure there is enough food and water in your kit for you, your family and your pets. Plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days.
• Arrange with your health care provider and pharmacist for emergency medication supplies, as appropriate.
• Determine if you or a family member(s) needs to register for a Special Needs Shelter at this time.
• Go over your Family Emergency Plan. Take time to practice your plan, including your evacuation locations and routes, and update if needed.

For more tips on how to stay prepared before, during and after hurricane season, please visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.floridadisaster.org.

If you have not created a family emergency plan yet, it’s not too late! Check out the Florida Department of Health’s Florida Emergency Preparedness Guide, available in multiple languages and formats to all residents and visitors at www.floridahealth.gov.