Are you prepared for hurricane season?

Red Cross of Northeast Florida gives some tips on how families can prepare for disasters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hurricane season is right around the corner and our local Red Cross says it is never too early to start preparing.

Not only do you need to have a plan ready for your family in the event of an emergency, you also need to have a hurricane kit ready to go.

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"Right now our main effort is to check on availability of our volunteers we have a lot of experience in North Florida in regards to storm response," said Pat Shea, Chief Executive Director of the Red Cross Northeast Florida chapter.

Hurricane season officially starts June 1st and the local Northeast chapter of the American Red Cross isn't wasting any time making sure volunteers are trained and ready to deploy to a disaster struck area if needed.

"In our disaster cycle we are constantly either preparing or responding or recovering from a disaster and right now were inn a preparing stage," said Shea.

Aside from getting volunteers ready, Shea is also reminding people what they can do to prepare including putting together an emergency hurricane kit.

It should be able to provide for three days for each family member and some of the recommended items include:

  • one gallon of water per person per day,
  • non-perishable and easy to prepare food,
  • medications,
  • a flashlight,
  • extra batteries and something some people forget
  • pet supplies: including food, collar, leash and any medicines they may need.

Shea also said it's important for each family to have a plan ready before a hurricane comes.

"You have to think ahead before the crisis, what your response is going to be in my case, what am I going to do with my family as a I respond to a hurricane, are they going to be part of a shelter group or go somewhere else," said Shea.

The Red Cross is always looking for volunteers, especially during hurricane season. Our local chapter said it always wants to make sure they have plenty of ready and willing people to respond. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, visit the Red Cross Northeast Florida website.