Preparedness stressed as hurricane season starts

It seemed as if Lee Ann Curry was able to fit everything except the kitchen sink into her five-gallon bucket.

Of course, when the things inside are part of her disaster preparedness kit, less is definitely not more.

"This comes from experience," said Curry, a retired American Red Cross disaster nurse, who discussed the contents of her kit at Monday's hurricane seminar.

Curry recommended to the crowd of about 50 at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center to pack enough materials in their personal kits to sustain them for at least three days at an emergency shelter.

"What's important to you and what's going to make you comfortable for three days?" she asked.

The contents of Curry's kit included things like three changes of clothes, snacks, a laundry bag, toiletries, batteries, an emergency blanket, a sewing kit and a book of crossword puzzles for entertainment.

"Those hours drag on," she said.

Curry said a disaster kit is not only good to have during hurricane season, but for every other day of the year.

"At any point in time, you could hear a knock on your door, open the door and there could be a (sheriff's deputy) there saying, 'You have to get out now,'" she said.

Monday not only brought the first day of a new month, but the first day of a new hurricane season for Highlands County.

Bill Nichols, emergency management director, said now is the time to check the shutters, have hanging tree limbs trimmed and make sure any generators are in good working order.

He also offered a series of tips about what to do during a watch, a warning and the storm itself.

In the 36 hours before a hurricane could strike, Nichols advises to shop for necessary supplies like medications, fill the car up with gas and do the laundry.

"If I don't, I'm going to be limited in my options," Nichols said about having enough clean clothes.

When a warning is handed down, which is 24 hours before a storm, Nichols said residents should bring in "things that can become missiles if you leave it outside," such as garbage cans and lawn furniture, and waterproof any important documents or pictures.

"It can be as simple as opening up your file drawer, taking your files, putting them into a garbage bag, wrapping it up and putting it right back into the file drawer," Nichols said.

During the storm, residents should stay in a safe interior location away from windows and doors.

In the event of power loss, people should make sure they have a fully stocked refrigerator, according to Nichols. This will keep all items cold for a longer period of time. Any voids should be filled with bottled water.

Nichols adds that the refrigerator's thermostat should be turned to its coldest setting 24 hours before the storm hits. Food should last for two days without any power.

He also said there is no problem with deciding to evacuate if the situation warrants it. The important thing is to decide exactly when to "pull the trigger" and move to a safer area.

"Evacuation is a perfectly acceptable plan during hurricane season," Nichols said. "If we want to leave and get out of dodge, that's a good plan."