#2-Please also let your Ombudman know when you are out of the area in case emergency information needs to be passed on.

#3-Always keep your contact information updated with the command and ombudsman.

Disaster Supply Kit

Food Items

Water: at least one gallon per person per day for 3 to 5 days
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Canned juices and soups
Salt, pepper and sugar
Peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and nuts
Vitamins
Special foods for infants and the elderly
Cookies and other snack foods

Pre-packaged first aid kit, such as those available through the American Red Cross
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medicine
Syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal
Laxative
Clothing and Bedding
Sturdy work shoes or boots
At least one complete change of clothes per person
Rain coat, hat and gloves
Sunglasses
Blankets and sleeping bags

Tools and Supplies

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlights (one per person) and extra batteries
Manual can opener
Assorted screwdrivers, pliers, hammer
Assorted screws and nails
Plastic sheeting
Shut-off tool for gas lines and water
Shovel
Matches in a waterproof container
Whistle
Map of your area
Soap, toilet paper and personal hygiene items
Disinfectant
Bleach
Plastic garbage bags
Cell phone, cell phone batteries and extra chargers

Miscellaneous

Baby items, such as formula, bottles, diapers, medications and toys, Prescription medicines for all family members -- at least a two-week supply, Books, games and other items for entertainment, Important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, identification (driver's license, credit card, social security cards) and household inventory.

Securing Your Home

Preparing your home to withstand the forces of a hurricane begins long before hurricane season starts. Roofing materials, joist straps, even exterior wall composition must all be taken into consideration when deciding if your home is storm ready. Here are a few things you can do as the storm approaches:

• Cover windows with plywood or shutters
• Sink pool furniture in your pool
• Secure outdoor furniture, ornaments, and plants indoors
• Check door locks and bolts
• Put area rugs and furniture in a high place, as water could flood your home
• Unplug all appliances, turn off gas, water and electricity at main(s)

It's a good idea to be familiar with the structure of your home. Building codes are updated yearly and if your home was built a few years ago, it may not meet the codes today. Check with your builder to see if you need to add storm shutters or update your roofing.

Plywood Preparation

Measure to determine how much plywood is needed to cover your windows. The best is standard 4 by 8 sheets of exterior plywood that is half-inch thick, CDX grade. Half-inch plywood can withstand winds of up to 150 mph.

1) Paint the plywood with an exterior paint to keep out rain and moisture
2) The plywood should be cut to fit your window allowing for a
4 inch overlap on all sides
3) Store the plywood on edge in a dry area
4) Screw the plywood to your home, covering the windows
5) If you have a brick home, pre-drill a hole into the mortar joint
6) Holes should be drilled 18 inches apart
7) Insert an anchor into holes - if using ½ inch plywood buy 1 inch anchors and 1 ½ inch screws

Mobile homes

Mobile homes are not considered safe during a hurricane. Mobile home residents living as far as 50 miles inland should evacuate if a hurricane warning is issued. Even if your mobile home is anchored, it is not safe during a storm. Before Hurricane Andrew passed through Homestead, Florida there were 1,200 mobile homes, after the hurricane only 10 remained standing.

Claim Information

Write down important claims information. After you file a claim, you may need to take follow up action or check its progress. You should complete the form below and keep it as a handy reference throughout this process:

Pet Safety

With the exception of Seeing Eye dogs, shelters do not allow pets. Make arrangements now with your veterinarian, kennel or friends for boarding your pets during a storm. With the exception of Seeing Eye dogs, shelters do not allow pets. Make arrangements now with your veterinarian, kennel or friends for boarding your pets during a storm.

1) Make sure your pets are vaccinated in advance of hurricane season because most kennels require proof of vaccination

2) Take a leash for your animal and make sure it is wearing an id/rabies tag

3) Bring water and food bowls, carrier or cage and any medication

If evacuating, take your pet with you. If you decide to leave your pet at home, make sure you leave plenty of water and food for them.

After the storm is over, use caution when allowing your pet outside. Downed power lines, debris, and stray animals may pose a danger.

1) Make sure your pets are vaccinated in advance of hurricane season because most kennels require proof of vaccination

2) Take a leash for your animal and make sure it is wearing an id/rabies tag

3) Bring water and food bowls, carrier or cage and any medication

If evacuating, take your pet with you. If you decide to leave your pet at home, make sure you leave plenty of water and food for them.

After the storm is over, use caution when allowing your pet outside. Downed power lines, debris, and stray animals may pose a danger.