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Red Cross Prepares Floridians for Hurricanes
 To help Floridians prepare for hurricanes and other disasters, Florida’s American Red Cross chapters are recognizing the “Twelve Days of Hurricane Season” on May 21 through June 1, when individuals and families can purchase certain disaster preparedness supplies without paying sales tax on them.
Among items on which the tax exemption is available:
- A NOAA weather radio (of $50 or less), which provides continuous broadcasts of weather information directly from the National Weather Services Forecast Office. During severe weather, routine broadcasting is interrupted and special watch and warning messages are issued.
- A standby generator ($1,000 or less) can be a convenient source of power after a hurricane strikes, says the Red Cross. Generators should be properly installed and used safely.
- Hurricane shutters ($200 or less) should be installed on every window of the home, which will help to mitigate the damage due to a storm’s severe winds.
- A flashlight ($20 or less) and spare batteries ($30 or less) should be included in every family disaster kit.
- Waterproof plastic sheeting ($50 or less) should be part of every family’s disaster kit.
The Red Cross also recommends purchasing:
- A water container. “Having an ample supply of clean water is a priority in any emergency."
- A-B-C type fire extinguishers should be installed in the home and all household members should know how to use them.
- A supply of at least three-days of canned non-perishable food should be stored.
- Sleeping bags will provide extra comfort at shelters during home evacuations.
- Every family should have a first aid kit in their home and vehicle and on their boat.
- Duct tape should be stored in disaster kits.
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