Hurricane Milton has left West Coast Floridians scrambling as some residents have already evacuated. On Monday, Hurricane Milton strengthened from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 5 hurricane with winds predicted to reach 180 mph, FOX Weather reported.The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Milton poses an « extremely serious threat » to Florida with life-threatening impacts.AS HURRICANE MILTON THREATENS FLORIDA, FOOD AND DRINK ESSENTIALS FOR HUNKERING DOWN DURING THE STORM »It’s worth emphasizing that this is a very serious situation, and residents in Florida should closely follow orders from their local emergency management officials, » the NHC advised on Tuesday. Residents can check their evacuation status and flood zone risks on county websites, official social media accounts and FloridaDisaster.org’s « Know Your Zone » map, which is run by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.Hurricane and disaster preparation experts recommend having basic emergency supplies and « go-bags » ready before severe weather or natural hazard arrives.While residents in hurricane zones may have prepared emergency supplies that’ll last if they’re sheltering at home, here’s a list of items that should be stashed away in go-bags if an evacuation has been ordered for a hurricane or another catastrophic disaster. The U.S. Department of State recommends packing five item categories in a go-bag: money, medical items, personal belongings, documentation and optional weather gear. Money:- ATM cards and credit cards- Checkbook- Multiple currencies if evacuating from a foreign port- Safe deposit keys- Government travel card if applicable to eligible government workersMedical items:- Medical and dental records- Immunization cards- Glasses and contact lenses (with carrying case and cleaning solution)- Prescription medications- Over-the-counter medications- Small first aid kitMILTON COULD BECOME AMONG MOST DESTRUCTIVE HURRICANES FOR WEST-CENTRAL FLORIDA, INCLUDING TAMPA, NHC WARNSPersonal belongings:- Clothing- Toys and games- Pet items- Cell phone- Chargers for all electronics- Small toiletry kitFor more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleFood and water:- Snacks- WaterDocumentation:- Passport(s) and visas if evacuating from a foreign port- Marriage, birth, adoption and naturalization certificates- State Department ID (applicable to government workers only)- Driver’s license and/or state ID- Auto insurance policies, registrations and title if applicable- Power of attorney and will- School records- Pet records- Household effects inventoryOptional weather gear: In flood-prone areas, evacuees might want to consider:- Rain gear- Insect repellant- TarpWith hurricane evacuations being time-sensitive, some might opt to purchase go-bags or additional items for their already-packed go-bags as they make their way to safer zones where evacuations haven’t been mandated.Supplies may be limited at most retail locations, but there are a number of disaster survival brands that could be in stock at discount department stores, wholesale clubs and sporting goods shops.Pre-packaged go-bags with multi-day emergency supplies are made by Ready America, which can be found at select Walmart stores; Life Gear, which can be found at select Costco stores; and Wise Company, which can be found at select Bass Pro Shops.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s « Basic Disaster Supplies » list on ready.gov, which has a breakdown of basic and additional supplies approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).Basic emergency supply kit items:- Non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person)- Extra cell phone batteries or chargers- Battery-powered or hand crank radio- Flashlights and extra batteries- First aid kit- Whistle for help signaling- Dust masks- Plastic sheeting and duct tape- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation- Non-sparking wrench or pliers- Manual can opener- Local mapsCLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER- Prescription medications and glasses- Infant formula and diapers- Pet food, water and essential pet care supplies- Important family documents (stored in a waterproof casing)- Cash and change- Emergency reference materials- Sleeping bags or warm blankets- Complete change of clothing- Fire extinguishers- Matches (stored in a waterproof casing)- Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items and hand sanitizers- Mess kits, paper towels, paper cups, plates and disposable utensils- Paper and pencil- Books, games, puzzles or other non-electric entertainment activities
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Publish date : 2024-10-08 17:57:44
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Hurricane Milton evacuations in Florida: What to pack ahead of the storm
