Tropical Storm FAY: Prepare for it.

Well one of the hazards of living in florida is that you get tropical storms and hurricanes a few times a year. While potentially dangerous, if you prepare properly, tropical storms and hurricane damage can be lessened.

Here's a list of things you should prepare:

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices— foods for infants or the elderly— snack foods— non-electric can opener— cooking tools / fuel— paper plates / plastic utensils Blankets / Pillows, etc.
• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
• Special Items - for babies and the elderly
• Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
• Flashlight / Batteries
• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
• Keys
• Toys, Books and Games
• Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
• Pet care items— proper identification / immunization records / medications— ample supply of food and water— a carrier or cage— muzzle and leash

In addition to this list of things you should prepare. You might want to do these things around your home:

• Trim trees away from power, phone and cable tv lines. Remove dead branches from trees, these can break off easily and become a projectile.
• Pick up any loose items that might be laying around your yard. Even a stick can can break a window when a 40 mph wind gust turns it into a flying projectile.
• Put away and secure patio furniture, garbage cans and other items so that it doesn't become a flying projectile.
• Clean out your rain gutters and or drains to prevent flooding.
• Put up your shutters or plywood to protect windows.

These are just a few tips. You can do a search on google for hurricane safety to find websites with more information.

You can get hurricane info from the National Hurricane Center.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/