When disaster strikes, you may have only a short time to make what might be a life or death decision. We cannot predict exactly where or when they will occur, but we can take precautions to minimize the danger. Knowing that a disaster has happened and what steps to take to keep you and your family safe is critical. Most injuries and deaths happen when people are unaware or uninformed. Escambia County utilizes a variety of measures to provide warnings to our citizens.

If you plan to stay at home during a hurricane, you should have the following items on hand. It is a good idea to get these items at the beginning of hurricane season because as a storm approaches, stores become very busy and stock is depleted quickly. Use the 11-week shopping list to help you gather your supplies.

In a major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone immediately and in some cases it may take multiple days for help to arrive. What would you do if you were without electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service? Having a plan for your family and their needs will help ensure their safety and comfort during these difficult times. For more information, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

Almost 40 percent of small businesses that close due to a event never reopen. What would you do if your business was damaged or destroyed in a disaster? Where would you go to continue providing your customers with your business services? Would you be prepared and have the correct resources, databases, contact information and other necessary items to adapt to these changes? Having a disaster plan that identifies these important items will help ensure your business is prepared to survive during unexpected and difficult times. For more information, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

You should have a basic tool kit with items you feel are necessary to make temporary repairs after the storm.

Water should be stored in plastic containers. Store one gallon of water per person per day and plan on at least five days of need. Save your empty two-liter bottles during hurricane season to fill with water before a storm may hit.

Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Think about what kind of food you would take camping those are the types of foods that you need on hand after a storm. Many good foods come in ready-to-eat, non-refrigerated packaging. Small packages are a good choice because you will not have refrigeration for leftovers. Make sure you have a good stock of Sterno, a full tank of propane for your grill, or plenty of charcoal. Never use propane or charcoal indoors.

Always remember to help family members with special needs. For children, you should have plenty of necessary baby formula, diapers, bottles and medications. Adults with medications such as insulin or other prescription drugs should have their prescriptions filled before the storm. Do not forget any denture needs and eyeglasses or contacts. You may also consider asking your veterinarian about a mild sedative for your pets if they are anxious during storms. You should also have some form of entertainment for everyone, including books for adults.

It is a good idea to have two first aid kits; one for your home and the other for your car. Your kit should include things like bandages, scissors, tweezers, soap, latex gloves, lubricant, assorted size safety pins and any non-prescription drugs deemed necessary. Stock plenty of mosquito repellent and “bug bite sticks” for relieving the itch of insect bites and stings.

Clothing and bedding items should be protected by covering them with plastic drop cloths, placing them in waterproof boxes, plastic bags or other suitable containers. Be sure to have work boots and gloves, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, lots of towels, hats and sunglasses readily available.

Identifying a safe place to take shelter during severe weather is an important part of your plan of action to “be ready.” Select an interior room, hallway or bathroom on the lowest level of your structue away from windows. Padding the area with mattresses or having a solid piece of furniture under which you can seek shelter is a good idea. Be sure to keep your disaster kit with you in your safe room, and close all interior doors and brace exterior doors if possible.

Each year prior to hurricane season, your family should review your existing strategy and make changes as necessary. Your hurricane strategy should include evacuation plans, such as where your family and pets will go, what route to take, when to leave and what supplies are necessary. Supplies should last for at least 72 hours.