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Tag: hurricane supplies

Build your disaster supply kit

Build your disaster supply kit

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

An emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items:

  • Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • N-95 mask for COVID-19 protection
  • Fuel for vehicle
  • Cash (ATMs may lose power)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Disinfectant wipes, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Glasses
  • Blanket
  • Change of clothes
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches
  • Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
  • Photographs of your home and belongings
  • Insurance policies
  • Medications
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Prepare your pets for storms

Prepare your pets for storms

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

Where will your pets ride out a hurricane?

  • Motels/hotels – check The Sun’s Pet Pages
  • Veterinarian
  • Kennel
  • Friends/relatives
  • Pet-friendly evacuation shelters (Braden River High School, Manatee High School, Mills Elementary School) – requirements are:

– First come, first served

– Pets must remain in carrier or cage except for scheduled exercise times

– Current rabies vaccination certificates

– Two family member limit in pet-friendly area

– Owners must stay with pets at all times

– Owners must provide food and supplies

– Owners must not permit other shelter occupants to handle or approach pets

– Owners are responsible for the care, feeding and handling of their pets

Pet supply kit

  • ID collar and rabies license tag
  • Photo ID of pet
  • Carrier or cage
  • Water and food bowls
  • Food and water supply to last about three days
  • Manual can opener
  • Leash or harness
  • Medications
  • Potty pads/plastic bags/litter box/litter for waste disposal
  • Pet bed
  • Toys and comfort items
  • Muzzles, if necessary
  • First aid supplies
  • Cleaning wipes
  • Grooming items
  • ID on all belongings
  • Current photos and description of your pets in case you get separated
  • Pet information sheet including:
    • the name and address of your vet
    • immunization records
    • rabies license tag number
    • microchip number
    • feeding schedules
    • medical conditions and medication list
    • special care instructions
    • behavioral issues (in case you must temporarily leave your pets in someone else’s care)

What not to do

  • Don’t leave your pet alone in your home
  • Don’t leave your pet tied or chained outside your home
  • Don’t leave your pet in a vehicle
  • Don’t let your pet wander outside after the storm
Stock up on hurricane supplies tax-free

Stock up on hurricane supplies tax-free

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

Hurricane season is almost upon us and with it comes a chance for Floridians to purchase some of their hurricane supplies sales tax-free. From May 31 to June 6 some hurricane supplies will be available for purchase without sales tax. The list of applicable supplies includes:

$10 or less

  • Reusable ice packs

$20 or less

  • Any portable, self-powered light sources – flashlights, lanterns and candles

$25 or less

  • Gas, diesel fuel, LP gas and kerosene containers

$30 or less

  • Batteries – sizes AA, AAA, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt and 9-volt
  • Non-electrical coolers and ice chests

$50 or less

  • Tarps, plastic sheeting and waterproof sheeting
  • Ground anchor systems, tie-down kits, bungee cords and ratchet straps
  • Non-electrical radios (battery, solar or hand crank powered)

$750 or less

  • Portable generators

Some items are always tax-exempt but should be included in your hurricane preparations including bottled water, canned food, first aid kits, prescription and most non-prescription over-the-counter medication, baby food and infant formula. Though not tax-free, pet owners should also plan for their pet’s needs including adding additional pet food, any medications your pet takes, water, and litter and trays for cats or waste disposal bags for dogs.

Hurricane Lessons Irma

Get tax-free hurricane supplies June 1-7

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

For one week only Floridians will be able to get some of their hurricane supplies tax-free. June 1-7 is the first week of the hurricane season and Disaster Preparedness Week. It’s also the only time during this year’s hurricane season that certain supplies can be purchased without paying sales tax if the supplies meet certain criteria.

The tax-free offer is limited to certain items under specific financial thresholds. Items purchased online during the tax-free holiday are exempt.

Hurricane supply list

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days, including non-perishable packaged or canned food / juice, foods for infants, the elderly, pets, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets and pillows

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies, the elderly, pets

Toiletries – hygiene items

Moist wipes

Flashlight and batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents – in a waterproof container, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Document all valuables with videotape if possible.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Sales tax is still applicable for rentals and repair of qualifying items, and items purchased in an airport, entertainment complex, theme park or hotel. Items priced over the qualifying amount are not eligible for the sales tax exemption.

Qualifying items include:

$10 and under:
  • Reusable ice packs
$20 and under:
  • Portable self-powered light sources including flashlights, lanterns, and candles
$25 and under:
  • All gas and diesel fuel containers including LP gas and kerosene containers
$30 and under:
  • Certain sizes of batteries and reusable batteries – sizes AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt and 9-volt batteries included. Vehicle and boat batteries are excluded
  • Food storage, non-electrical coolers, and ice chests
$50 and under:
  • Tarps
  • Plastic sheeting, drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting
  • Ground anchor system
  • Tie-down kits
  • Bungee cords
  • Ratchet straps
  • Battery, solar or hand-crank powered two-way and weather band radios
$750 and under:
  • Portable generators

Items that are always sales tax exempt include unflavored, uncarbonated bottled water, canned food, first aid kits, baby food and formula, all prescription medication and most over the counter medication.

Related coverage

Forecasters agree: We’re in for stormy weather

Where to get weather alerts

Help is available during hurricanes

Tips for surviving hurricane season

Home, pool and yard preparation checklists

Prepare your pets for storms

Prepare your boat for a hurricane

Re-entry tags needed to return after storms

Time to stock up for hurricane season

Manatee County hurricane shelter list

Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma