Hurricane season is in full swing and Kitterman Woods wants our residents to be prepared. The last ten years have been kind to us, especially compared to the onslaught we faced in 2004 and 2005, but it only takes one storm to remind us of Mother Nature’s fury. If that one storm does affect us, you can be assured that Kitterman Woods is ready and able to respond quickly to the needs of our residents.

Don’t wait until a hurricane is bearing down to make these important decisions. Do it now to ensure your family’s safety. Together we can make it a safer and less worrisome hurricane season for everyone.

Here are some basic tips:

• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
• Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
• If you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Here is a list of Red Cross recommended supplies:

Recommended Supplies

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

Flashlight & Battery-powered or hand-crank radio Don’t Forget Extra batteries

First aid kit & Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)

Sanitation and personal hygiene items

Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phone with chargers

Extra cash

Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, and bowl)

Extra set of car keys and house keys. Don’t forget to fill your car’s gas tank.

Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes, rain gear.

Insect repellent and sunscreen

For more information visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php   orhttp://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane#/Prepare