Hurricane season is upon us and will be with us for the next six months. Even though we are expecting a mild season, we still need to be prepared for the unfortunate occurrence of a catastrophe. This can occur without a hurricane upon us as we've recently seen from our recent rains and ensuing flooding.

With that said, here are some important phone numbers and a checklist of items that you should have stocked and handy.

- Assess your home for vulnerable areas, such as roofs, windows, garage doors, landscaping

- Battery-operated radio with weather band

- Bedding and clothing, possibly

- Bleach - unscented to purify water at a rate of 8 drops per gallon

- Candles with lighters and matches, preferably wooden

- Cash on hand

- Clean containers to store drinking water - should have 1 gal. per person per day for 3 - 7 days

- Disposable plates and eating utensils

- Emergency phone numbers

- Fill up your vehicles' gas tanks

- Flashlights - preferably 1 per person

- Important documents - placed in a watertight container & easily accessible if needed in a moments notice: insurance policies (home, auto, health), bank account numbers (passbook & checkbook), Social Security Cards

- Inventory your home possessions and review your insurance policies

- Fire Extinguisher

- First-aid kit - bandages, gauze, petroleum jelly, aspirin, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, thermometer, rubbing alcohol

- Food for 3 - 7 days: non-perishable canned or packaged goods & juices; comfort foods/snacks; food for infants and the elderly

- Gas grill or sterno stove with extra fuel

- Hygiene and personal care items, also moist wipes

- Keys

- Large trash bags

- Manual can opener

- Prescription medicines

- Rope or cord - 100 feet

- Soap

- Spare batteries for flashlights & other needs

- Tools - hammer, nails, ax, knife, pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers

- Toys or games for children and also books for reading material

- Whistle or air horn

Seminole County -

Information Line - 407-665-7219

Hurricane Warnings - 407-665-8000

Emergency Shelters & Management - 407-665-5102

Animal Services - 407-665-5110

American Red Cross - 407-894-4141

Orange County -

Helpline - 407-836-3111

Emergency Shelters & Management - 407-836-9140

Animal Services - 407-254-9140

American Red Cross - 407-894-4141

Volusia County -

Citizen's Information Center - 866-345-0345

Emergency Shelters - 866-345-0345

Emergency Management - 386-254-1500

Animal Services - 386-248-1790

American Red Cross - 386-226-1400

Brevard County -

Citizens Hotline - 321-637-4070

Special Needs Shelter Information & Emergency Management - 321-637-6670

Animal Services - 321-633-2024

American Red Cross - 321-890-1002

Please comment and add to these lists as they are surely not inclusive in any way whatsoever nor are they in order of importance, but gives you an idea of some things to have readily available. Additionally, many of these things should be kept in a watertight container as a storm approaches because what use are many of these items if they get wet.

If you know a major storm is approaching possibly turn the refrigerator and freezer up to their coldest settings and make as much ice as possible with the time that you have. Yes, it will cost you a little electricity, but it also may have your refrigerated products last longer. If the power does go out and you need to retrieve something from the refrigerator, think about where it is before opening the door. You don't want too much cold air escaping. Also, don't forget that over time your food will thaw and there will be water that will collect in the bottom of your freezer and refrigerator.

I know this may appear to be somewhat scary and overwhelming, but preparing ahead of time will allow you to cope with a situation more easily.

For up to date weather information, go to www.nhc.noaa.gov - The National Hurricane Center

Here's hoping that you won't need to use any of these suggestions!

Till next time....Marc It Sold!