If the weather looks bad, tune in to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.

Do you know the difference between a Hurricane WATCH and WARNING? Or just panic at both?

WATCH: Means that Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

Lots of places around florida have written pages and brochures for free. Hurricane Guides are available in newspapers, Libraries, Government Buildings and in most of the phone books. Still it's good to have not only that, but your own plan. We printed ours from the internet, added to it and keep it on the refrigerator during hurricane season. -

Make a suitcase just for items you will need in case of evacuation:

We found out that by the time an evacuation is called, you will be spending the time from when you 'find out', until you leave securing your house and putting away lawn furniture, deciding what food to pack in your RV or cooler, and cooking that $40.00 roast to make sandwiches. You probably WILL remember to take your medicines, and some clothing, but won't be thinking about packing any bedding or sleeping bags and pillows.

Dont forget to take your AMC. That's my slang for American Money Cash. I never use it, love the plastic. BUT when the weather turns ugly around central and coastal Florida during hurricane season, it is probably already too late to empty the ATM without waiting in line for ages. I suggest you're better off getting in line for gasoline. Keep some AMC packed with your hurricane kit and some Coins too. Although the tolls fees, etc. are usually waived on evacuation routes; those coins will come in handy for Interstate highway and hotel snack machines AND pay phones when your cell phone's battery runs down. Actually during the last two hurricanes, the police and fire department were asking people to limit the use of their cell phone calls because that was what they were using for emergency calls since the land lines were all down. If the electricity goes OUT, your plastic debit and credit cards will not work until power and telephone lines are repaired. We found that to be the case all the way up to Georgia during the 2004 season. When we were back in town, our bank was the first one back in business, but their internet banking was another month before it was operational.
So pack enough American Money Cash for gas to your evacuation area and back (ie Georgia for us at 10mpg) for a week's hotel stay, for food, etc. etc. AND what we didn't know to do, keep all your receipts for FEMA. If you end up not needing your evacuation cash you can always use it as an interest free savings account at the end of hurricane season (pretty convenient to Christmas time and only about a percent less interest than you'll get at the bank)/