Be Prepared for Hurricane Matthew

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for all of Florida as Hurricane Matthew threatened to wreak havoc on the East Coast later in the week.

Hurricane Matthew was southeast of Jamaica on Monday but was predicted to head north and likely produce “devastating impacts from storm surge, extreme winds, heavy rains, flash floods, and/or mudslides in portions of the watch and warning areas in Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas,” the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory.

While the path remains unclear as the storm goes further north, the Hurricane Center said direct hurricane impacts are possible in Florida later in the week.

Our Florida Hurricane & Storm Damage Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want you to be prepared for Hurricane Matthew. We urge you to read through the following and make sure you and your family are properly outfitted with supplies in case of an emergency.

Have a 3-7 day supply of each item for every person in your home:

Water

1 gallon of water per person per day stored in clean plastic containers

Food

Purchase foods that require no refrigeration and little preparation, such as:

Ready-to-eat canned food
Canned juices, milk, soup
Snacks like cookies, cereals, etc.
Soft drinks, instant coffee, tea
Lots of ice – so you can freeze your water supply!

For Baby

Formula, bottles, powdered milk, jarred baby foods
Diapers, moist towelettes and special medications

Pets

Newspapers or cat litter
Canned or Dry Food
Plastic sheets to cover floor of pet’s room

Medicine

First aid kit
Rubbing alcohol
Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid
Extra prescription medication – ask your physician how to store prescription medication
Personal Items
Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo
Personal and feminine hygiene products
Denture needs, contact lenses and an extra pair of eyeglasses

Other Supplies

Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener, extra batteries
ABC-rated fire extinguisher in a small canister
Portable cooler
Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags
Wind-up or battery-operated clock
Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails for temporary roof repairs
Cleaning supplies such as chlorine bleach
Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups
Can of spray paint – this can be used to identify your home by insurance adjusters in case it’s damaged
At least one change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves
Pillows and blankets or sleeping bags

Our Florida Hurricane & Storm Damage Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want you to get through a hurricane or tropical storm safely. Please make sure you and your family’s safety is given priority. After a hurricane or storm, we can help guide you through filing a claim for damages.

Your consultation with us is always free, so call us at 866-608-5529 to get the legal help you need right away or contact us online.