Hurricane Preparedness
Please contact Community Relations Coordinator Catherine Dokey at 850 – 651- 7448 or
cdokey@sheriff-okaloosa.org if you have any questions or concerns.
www.sheriff-okaloosa.org

A Message From Your Sheriff
State and local government are closest to those affected by hurricanes and will always lead in the response and recovery efforts. Local government is responsible for providing for the safety and security of citizens before a hurricane hits. It is paramount that you as a citizen and your families have an emergency plan and emergency kit in place in case of a evacuation. Preparation NOW will help local authorities devote resources where they are needed the most in case we have a busy hurricane season. I hope the Panhandle is spared this season, but if not, pay careful attention to the advice of local
authorities and tune-in to local radio and television stations for hurricane or tropical storm updates.

Deputy Sheriff’s Safety Tip:

Leave early to avoid heavy evacuation traffic, preferably at the beginning of the watch period of a hurricane. Evacuate
during daylight hours with a full tank of gas and listen to your car radio for additional emergency information or
evacuation routing problems. Hurricane Season is officially here and while many experts predict this season’s storms to head up the Atlantic, citizens in Okaloosa County have to remain vigilant. As we all know from past experience, Okaloosa County is subject to the affects of major emergencies and disasters derived from natural causes. The impact of a
hurricane can seriously affect local jurisdictions and threaten lives and property.
A Hurricane Preparedness Plan can be viewed and downloaded as a PDF document on the Sheriff’s Office website
at www.sheriff-okaloosa.org. This comprehensive guide covers everything from evacuation routes, items needed
for a family disaster supply kit, petprotection materials, how to inventory your property, insurance tips, ways to
help children cope with storms, links to other hurricane-savvy sites, important numbers for additional preparedness
information, and much more. Document personal property by listing descriptions, taking pictures or video of household belongings. A complete inventory of your personal property will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for uninsured losses. Also, review your insurance policies and coverage and acquire flood insurance if you live in a flood plain or storm surge area. Families can cope with a disaster by preparing and working together as a
team. Create a family disaster plan. Involve all family members in the planning process, so that they know what
to expect, as well as what to do when a Hurricane Watch or Warning is issued. Planning what to do is your best
protection and your responsibility. It is important for Okaloosa County citizens to become knowledgeable about what to
do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER a hurricane.

Family Disaster Supply Kit
Water- 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food- enough for 3 to 7 days
Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juice
Foods for infants and for individuals with special needs
Snack foods
Powdered milk
Staples
Non-electric can opener and utility knife
Cooking tools / fuel
Paper plates & cups / plastic utensils
Blankets/Pillows/Sleeping Bags
Clothing- seasonal, rain gear, hard soled shoes, hats, and gloves
First Aid Kit
Prescription & non-prescription drugs
Sterile adhesive bandages
Gauze
Bandages
Latex gloves
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Toiletries, Hygiene items, and moisture wipes
Cash or Traveler’s Checks
Keys
Toys, Book and Games
Important Documents (store in a waterproof container)
Birth certificates
Insurance policies
Medical records
Bank account & credit card numbers
Social security cards
Contracts & deeds
Passports
Family records
Wills
Current photographs
Tools & Emergency Supplies
Maps
Radio (battery operated, extra batteries) NOAA Weather Radio
Fire extinguisher
Pliers
Compass
Signal Flare
Plastic garbage bags and ties for sanitation
Tape
Candles
Matches
Needles/thread
Medicine dropper
Towels
Soap, liquid detergent
Disinfectant
Lanterns / Fuel (store in safe container & location)
Pet Care Items
Proper identification/ immunization records/ medications
Ample supply of food and water
Carrier or cage
Muzzle and leash
Find out hotel and motel policies outside your immediate area on accepting pets and the restrictions on number, size, and
type. Have a list prepared of boarding facilities and veterinarians who can shelter animals in case of an emergency..