(LAKELAND, Fla.) - A disaster can strike when you least expect it, sometimes with little warning. From hurricanes to unpredicted power outages, having a plan ready to go in times where you need to take action immediately can make a world of a difference. With hurricane season now in full swing, it's crucial to have your emergency plan in place.
Your plan should include building disaster kits, knowing where to go for shelter, and preparing ahead for your pets. Legal Services Corporation (LSC) outlines the necessary items to have, steps to take, and additional resources on their Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center (LADRC) website.
Shelter-In-Place Kit Essentials:
- Ready-to-eat foods you can store for a long time without refridgeration
- Beverages including 1 gallon of drinking water for each person for each day
- Personal hygiene items like toothpaste and soap
- Items for young children like formula and diapers
- Food and extra water for pets
- Emergency supplies like a first-aid-kit, flashlights, and a battery-operated AM/FM radio
- Fully charged backup batteries
Evacuation Kit Essentials:
- Copies of ID, such as driver's license or birth certificates
- Copies of insurance policies
- Small nonperishable food items
- A small amount of water for each person
- Flashlights
- Personal hygiene items
- Written records of medications
Click to learn about what documents to keep in your disaster kit:
While creating your plan of action, think about where you would go if a disaster hits and what your evacuation route would be. Contact your local emergency management office or agency to ask about evacuation routes, and call family and friends to find out if they're able and willing to let you stay with them. If you have pets, there are special steps you can take to plan for their care detailed on LSC's LADRC website.
For a full breakdown of the steps to build your emergency plan, you can access the online resource on our website at FRLS.org/hurricane-services.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS)
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.