Let's hope that you never get caught in a location where a bad storm is coming, say if you happened to be on assignment in Florida during hurricane season…..it could happen, right? Well, the best advice from a native Floridian who has weathered many storms is listed below. Just a few common sense items that may make your experience a little easier if it does happen.

Take gallon bags fill them with water and freeze them, no need to spend money on ice. I personally froze so many soda bottles that I still had ice five days later in my Coleman cooler.
Cook all your food and freeze it.
Lower water in your pool and throw your lawn furniture in it (if you are lucky enough to have a pool)
Keep a mattress available to get under it if necessary.
Store any outdoor stuff away so it doesn't fly through yours or your neighbor's windows.
Fill the bathtub with water to flush toilets. Be sure to have a bucket to scoop out the water. Dump in toilet and it will flush by itself.
Fill up your cars with gas. (My husband had a rule that you never come home unless car is full of gas)
Get batteries now and have working flashlights. A few candles not a bad idea either of course.
You can store important documents in plastic bags just in case of water intrusion or leaks.
Weather radio is always a good thing to have.
Charge your phones.
Don't stand near windows.
If you happen to be a camper, like me, camp stove and/or burners come in real handy for coffee and cooking when there's no power.
Remain calm and Help Each Other!

I know some of these suggestions may sound silly, but you would be surprised how much easier you can make a rough situation with proper planning. Take it from a Florida gal who has ridden out two major hurricanes in the past year….and many more before that. Don't be Scared! Be Prepared!

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network