It’s a few months before the start of another hurricane season, but you know that storms have a mind of their own and they come when they want to come. Be ready now, especially if you have loved ones who don’t have the ability to make preparations themselves.

Every person ought to have assembled a hurricane preparedness “kit” consisting of essential supplies meant to last for a minimum of five days: one gallon of water per person, per day; nonperishable food and juice; a manual can opener, a battery powered radio, batteries, medications, flashlights, and toiletries. Non-essential “comfort” items might include: extra pillows, blankets, toys, books, and games to help pass the time.

Also important is to prepare a second kit of items needed in case of an evacuation: personal identification, cash and coins, credit cards, an extra set of car and house keys, and important papers, such as your loved one’s birth certificate, deeds, and insurance papers. Put them in an airtight plastic bag to protect them against getting wet.

If you have a loved one who lives alone and cannot do these things, do them now because when the storm is coming you’ll probably be busy getting your own home and family prepared.

Probably the most important thing you can do to prepare for a hurricane when an elderly and/or home-bound person is involved is to know where that person will go if an evacuation is ordered as well as the means of transportation to get them there. For Palm Beach County click this link to read about shelters including pet-friendly shelters.

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Below is a list of the basic essentials to prepare for a hurricane. Obviously, food, drinking water, and medicines are also essential. Any person who is under the regular care of a physician should have a waterproof packet of information including a list of a prescription medications. It should also contain as much information about ailments and the names and phone numbers of medical specialists involved.