# Recovery News {#recovery-news .Facsimile-Line}

**Preparing for the Storm: Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit Now**

*Part III of a series on Hurricane Preparedness in Florida*

**ORLANDO, Fla. --** With the 2006 hurricane season less than one month
away, every family should be prepared to face another season of
dangerous and destructive storms. Every home should have a Disaster
Supply Kit. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida's State Emergency Response Team
(SERT) urge all Floridians to act now to assemble their family's
emergency supplies before the start of the new hurricane season.

"Every household should have at least a three day supply of food and
water," said Scott Morris, director of Florida Long-Term Recovery.
"Disaster Supply Kits are a central aspect of preparedness, and we ask
those who have not yet assembled their kits do so before the start of
the new storm season."

Every home should be stocked with a supply kit before June 1, which
marks the start of hurricane season. When storing the supplies, keep
them easily accessible in case of an evacuation.

"We want to ensure Floridians are ready for the 2006 hurricane season,"
said Craig Fugate, director of Florida's Division of Emergency
Management. "The state's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday takes
effect May 21 and goes through June 1. We encourage all Floridians to
take advantage of this opportunity and assemble their supply kits before
hurricane season begins."

Visit [www.Ready.gov](http://www.Ready.gov/),
[www.FEMA.gov](http://www.FEMA.gov/) and
[www.FloridaDisaster.org](http://www.FloridaDisaster.org/) for a
thorough look into disaster preparedness and a more detailed list of
emergency supplies. Also,
[www.Ready.gov/kids](http://www.Ready.gov/kids) is an excellent resource
for information on how to involve children in the process of assembling
the family's Disaster Supply Kit.

To learn how one family has prepared for hurricanes in Florida, read the
*Best Practices* story on the FEMA Web site at
[www.fema.gov/mitigationss/index.jsp](http://www.fema.gov/mitigationss/index.jsp)
titled, "After Andrew, South Florida Family Keeps Vow to Be
Hurricane-Ready."  Mitigation *Best Practices* stories give information
about successful ways to reduce damages in future storms.

> **\~ more \~**

*Disaster Supply Kit, page 2*

**A Disaster Supply Kit should contain the following:**

**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 utensils / fuel, paper
plates, plastic*

*utensils*

**Blankets / Pillows, etc.**

**Clothing --** seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes

**Medical supplies --** first aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs

**Special Items --** for infants and the elderly

**Toiletries** *--* hygiene items

**Moisture wipes**

**Flashlight --** extra batteries

**Radio --** battery-operated and NOAA weather radio

**Cash -- (**Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended
periods.)

**Important documents** *--* in a waterproof container

*Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social security card,
etc*

**Keys**

**Toys, books and games**

**Tools** *-- keep a set with you during the storm*

**Vehicle fuel tanks filled**

**Pet care items**

*Proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and
water, a*

*carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash*

(from [www.FloridaDisaster.org](http://www.FloridaDisaster.org/))

*\###*

*FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any
national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with
state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.*

*SERT is a collaboration of Florida's state agencies led by the state
coordinating officer. SERT's mission is to ensure that Florida is
prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate
their impacts. Visit
[**www.floridadisaster.org**](http://www.floridadisaster.org/) for the
latest information on the hurricane relief efforts.*