No matter where you live in Florida, hurricanes can impact you and your family. So before the next big storm comes be sure to plan ahead and be prepared.  Check out HurricaneSafety.org for a more complete list of recommendations.

Pre-storm Checklist:

• Nonperishable food & clean water. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Check your smoke and monoxide detectors and ensure they have fresh batteries.
• Refill prescription medicines
• A disaster prep kit for each member of your family to ensure their safety and comfort during a power outage. A basic kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food and battery-powered flashlights.
• Collect all important documents and put in waterproof container.
• In case of serious storm document (with photos) the state of your home and all major items or appliances

In addition to the above items it is important to ensure that you have pest preparedness figured out. Often due to the increased moisture caused by hurricane season there is a significant uptick in pest activity. Most specifically mosquito activity increases. To help protect your family from these harmful pests:

• Wear an EPA-approved insect repellent when working outside
• Whenever possible wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when working outside, keeping as much of your skin covered as possible reduces mosquito bites
• Eliminate as much standing water as possible. This reduces opportunities for mosquitoes to lay eggs and hatch in your immediate surroundings
• Empty any containers that hold water as soon as it is safe
• Clean clogged gutters and drains as soon as possible as this will likely lead to additional standing water.

When in doubt, contact your local pest control professionals and stay in the know about hurricane preparedness and pest control.