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These are the questions you should know the answers to BEFORE the storm arrives on your doorstep.  This guide is courtesy of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Sandbags
Tampa Residents may pick up sandbags until 8 p.m. on Monday, August 18th.  Residents may pick up sandbags at the Himes Sports Complex, 4500 South Himes Avenue; Jackson Heights Playground, 3310 East Lake Avenue; and the solid waste facility at 4010 West Spruce Street.  Tampa residents interested in receiving sandbags must show identification verifying residence within the city limits. Valid driver’s license, utility bill or electric bill will serve as appropriate identification. 

Food
It is recommended to have a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Non-perishable means food that can stay good for a long time without needing to be in the refrigerator. It is also good if the food doesn't need to be cooked. Keep food in a dry, cool location.

Remember to replace your food supplies every six months to ensure freshness. A good way to remember when to replace your foods is by doing so at the same time when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings.

Here are some suggestions of foods to have prepared:

-  Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
-  Canned juice, milk and soup
-  High energy foods, like peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix
-  Powdered coffee or tea
-  Dried fruits and nuts
-  Bread and crackers
-  Vitamins
-  Sugar, salt and pepper
-  Fun foods! Like cookies, hard candy, lollipops
-  Special food for babies or older people

Along with your food supply, it is necessary to collect all the items that are necessary for food storage, cooking, eating, and cleaning.

-  Camping stove with extra gas
-  Pots, pans, plates and utensils
-  Sponges, soap and other cleaning supplies
-  Napkins, towels and paper products
-  Manual can opener
-  Ice cooler / Ice chest

Water

Drinking Water: Storing drinking water is one of the most important things you can do before a disaster.  In a disaster, water pipes may be broken or the water may become contaminated. To be ready, you should have at least a 3-day supply of drinking water at your home.  Plan to have at least one gallon of water for each person per day.

Water Storage Tips: Buying 1 Gallon jugs of bottled water is suggested, but you can fill your own water containers if needed.  Be sure to store your water in plastic containers. Plastic soft drink bottles are fine for use, but don't use milk cartons or glass bottles!

Cooking and Hygiene Water:   (For cooking meals/ brushing teeth/bathing)

You will also need one gallon of water for each person per day for things like cooking and personal hygiene

Ice
Ice is an important item to have in times of disaster, especially when living in a hot, tropical climate such as Florida.  To be prepared, you should have a 3-day supply of ice ready. Plan to have about one bag of ice for each person per day.

First Aid Kid
During a disaster, you or a family member may become injured. A First Aid Kit will be needed to treat an injured person, so be sure to keep a first aid manual and basic medical supplies in your First Aid Kit. Having these basic supplies will allow you to assist someone who has been injured. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Also, it is recommended that you and other family members take a first aid class.

Here are the things you should have in your First Aid Kit:

-  First Aid Manual
-  Sterile adhesive bandages of different sizes
-  Sterile gauze pads
-  Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
-  Triangular bandages
-  Scissors
-  Tweezers
-  Sewing needle
-  Moistened towellettes
-  Antiseptic
-  Thermometer
-  Tube of petroleum jelly
-  Safety pins
-  Soap
-  Latex gloves
-  Sunscreen
-  Aspirin or other pain reliever
-  Anti-diarrhea medicine
-  Antacid
-  Laxative
-  Activated charcoal

Checklist of Things to Do BEFORE a Disaster Event
Meet with your family and discuss your Family Disaster Plan, including your designated Meeting and Check-in locations after a disaster
 
Create a Disaster Supply Kit with the following:

-  Battery-powered radio
-  Flashlight(s)
-  Extra batteries for radio and flashlights
-  First Aid Kit and first aid manual (see First Aid section of your plan)
-  1 changes of clothing and sturdy pairs of shoes (one for each person in your plan)
-  1 Pillows and 1 blankets/sleeping bags (one for each person in your plan)
-  Feminine supplies
-  Fire extinguisher
-  Manual can opener
-  Disinfectant
-  Household bleach
-  Credit card and cash
-  Personal identification
-  An extra set of car keys
-  Matches or lighter in a waterproof container
-  Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (household gas and water)
-  Whistle or signal flare to signal for help
-  Map of your local area
-  Get Cash (without power, credit cards are unusable. Get small bills - $5,10,20's)
-  Locate gas and water shut off valves
-  Take pictures or home videos of your home contents for insurance purposes
-  Fill up the gas tank in your vehicle
 
Make copies of important documents and keep them in a waterproof container:

Insurance documents (home insurance and health insurance)
-  Birth certificates
-  Marriage certificates
-  Social security cards
-  Bank account numbers
-  Tax returns for previous 2 years

Listen to your radio for emergency announcements and follow their directions

Checklist of Things to Do AFTER a Disaster Event

If you evacuated the area, listen for the local authorities to announce the "ALL CLEAR" letting you know it is safe to return home
 
-  Check for damage in your home
(Use flashlights-do not light matches, candles, or turn on electrical switches in case of a gas leak)
-  Contact your insurance provider to report any damages
-  Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately
-  Call your Out of Town Contact and other family members to let them know you are OK
-  Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons
-  Repair or block off access to anything in your home that is damaged and could cause injuries
-  Stay away from downed power lines

Visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to create your personlized Family Disaster Plan and learn more about how to prepare for disasters.