What are the world’s most expensive golf carts?

Golf carts used to be little vehicles that served a simple purpose — getting you around the golf course comfortably. With the advent of these new luxurious models, you are no longer confined to the course and can make a lasting impression everywhere you go!

Garia LSV – $62,000

This most expensive of golf carts is actually allowed on the street and comes equipped with seat belts, mirrors, hydraulic brakes and speeds up to 25mph. You can also install a stereo, digital instruments and a dashboard refrigerator as well as other extras. The Garia LSV is customizable with over 100 colors for the body, roof and dashboard; 3 different colors of upholstery and 10” and 12” aluminum wheels.

Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit Golf Car- $52,000

This cute little cart comes from the Porsche factory in Finland. Looking more like a golf cart than the Hummer model available for $19,999, it is a limited edition version of the standard Garia golf car. It comes with standard Garia features such as two golf bag carriers, a painted utility box, scratch-resistant side skirts, a pen holder and scorecard on the steering wheel. There’s also an optional dashboard refrigerator.

The special price for the limited edition can buy you custom paint, two-colored hand-stitched seats and a carbon roof lined with alcantara. World-renowned manufacturers of the Ducati, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Volvo brands were all involved in creating this little gem.

Rolls Royce Phantom-style cart – $30,560

If your budget is too modest for the Garia, you could opt to give your golf cart a makeover to look like a Rolls Royce Phanto. It comes with leather seats, chrome wheels, and a dual tone exterior trim.

Hummer H2 Golf Cart – $19,999

Last but not least, this cool little number will set you back a more reasonable 20 Grand. It is inspired by the Hummer vehicle used by the military. Similar to a small road vehicle, it can reach speeds of 20mph and includes brake and turning lights as well as headlights and fog lights. The dashboard is available in carbon fiber or wood grain to suit the owner’s choice. Other small luxuries include a cooler under the hood, more storage under the seat, tinted windshield and drink holders.

School supply shopping is an experience for you and your youngster, but on the other hand it can be quite a chore. New is fun—fresh starts, new teachers, new friends, new clothes, new shoes, new school supplies, new lunch boxes, and new backpacks.

Be that as it may, it can be overwhelming. (Your child is growing up way too fast—and is presently sulking in aisle two.)

Don’t panic! Here’s a guide to what you will need to get.

Before starting, you should check with your school to see if they provide a supply list. Compare it to what we have here to see what else you might want to get. Your child’s backpack might be worn out from last year, for example.

Some schools have the teacher buy the majority of the school supplies to guarantee every kid has similar things—and to make sure they have exactly what is needed. In these cases, a donation to the teacher is never a bad idea, to help cover the cost of these supplies. There might also be organizations that help obtain supplies for your student.

Kids grow like weeds, so now is the time to update your child’s wardrobe. This might mean new school uniforms, or just new clothes that your child can feel comfortable in.

Clothes and clothing accessories:

• Three to five pairs of jeans
• Four to six short-sleeved tops
• Two to four long-sleeved tops
• Two to four hoodies
• Two to four sweaters
• Two to four pairs of pants, shorts, and/or skirts
• Five to seven pairs of socks and/or leggings/tights
• Seven or more pairs of underwear
• Five bras(for teenage girls)
• Two sports bras(for teenage girls)
• Sneakers
• Casual/dress shoes
• Flip-flops/sandals/slip-on shoes
• Backpack
• Belt
• Ponytail holders and/or hair clips

School Supplies:

• Two to five spiral notebooks
• Two to five folders
• Three-ring binder (these often come with a shoulder strap)
• Five to 10 pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Five to 10 pens
• Colored pencils
• Crayons
• Markers
• Scissors
• Glue or glue sticks
• Tape
• Highlighters
• Pencil box or pouch
• Calculator (usually just for middle school on up)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Face Masks
• Facial Tissues
• Wet Wipes

Lunch Items:

• Lunchbox or lunch bag
• Juice boxes
• Reusable water bottle
• Sandwich ingredients
• Snack items (like applesauce, pretzels, and string cheese)
• Convenient fruits/vegetables (like raisins, other dried fruit, clementines, and baby carrots)
• Yogurt
• Freezer packs to keep food cold

Electronics:

Some schools are using cell phones, tablets, or laptops for their studies. It’s not usually required for students to bring their own, and oftentimes their use is limited or completely prohibited. Check with your school to see what the rules are on electronics for your student.

It is highly recommended you have a laptop or computer and internet for students as more frequently these are used for studies: for homework that might be turned in electronically, for research, or for typing up those book reports or term papers.

When involved with distance learning, computers and a reliable WiFi are necessary, so contact your school district administration, as sometimes they can help provide them for your student.

If your vehicle’s AC has has lost its ability to keep you cool, it may simply need a recharge of refrigerant. With a few items from any auto parts store, you should be able to do it yourself.

You will need gloves, eye protection, AC recharge service hose with a pressure gauge, and a can of refrigerant. And maybe a paperclip.

DIY Vehicle AC Recharge

1. Connect the recharge service hose with pressure gauge and valve to the can of refrigerant.
   1. Twist valve counter clockwise until puncture tip is retracted.
   2. Screw onto the can of refrigerant.
2. Twist valve clockwise until it punctures the can’s top.
3. Attach nozzle to the low pressure service fitting on the A/C system. It should only match one fitting.
4. Turn on the vehicle and set the AC to MAX inside cooling. You should see and hear the compressor engage.
   1. If the compressor does not engage, you may have too little refrigerant in the system which suggests a leak.
   2. If after adding refrigerant, the compressor still does not engage, you may have a bad compressor or relay.
   3. You can bypass the relay with a jumper wire to test the compressor.
5. While watching the pressure gauge, slowly twist the valve and allow the refrigerant to enter the system. This make take up to 10 or 15 minutes.
6. Feel the air at the vents. It should be getting cold.
7. Once you have reached the proper pressure level for the ambient temperature or all the refrigerant has left the can, twist the valve counter clockwise to close it.
8. Remove the recharge service hose from the low pressure service fitting. If you used a jumper in step 4, remove it, too.

Get a Pro

Not every vehicle AC problem can be tackled by an amateur. Some problems will need training, experience, fancy tools, and sometimes parts.

• If your car is earlier than approximately 1993, the air conditioning will operate on the now obsolete R12.
• If your system is completely discharged, it may be contaminated with moisture. A pro will fix the leak and remove the moisture with a vacuum pump — a process that takes about an hour.
• If your AC turns warm weeks or months after charging, a pro will track down the leak and replace the part and seals.
• If a part needs to be replaced. Apart from fuses and relays, leave the big items to a professional who will have the proper tools.

Tired of being cooped up in your house and want a safe but wonderful daytrip? Here are 10 amazing destinations you can go to that can renew your energy, spirit, and life!

Amazing Animals

4235 Rambler Avenue, St. Cloud 34772
(407) 719-6269
Home to over 100 exotic animals this animal preserve gives private tours…just you and your group! There are many photo opportunities and hands-on encounters during this tour.

Everglades National Park Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show

24050 SW 8th Street, Miami 33194
(305)242-7700
Take an airboat through the Everglades and adventure with the alligators, birds, and turtles. This trip includes a wildlife show where guests see alligator wrestling techniques that were used by Native Americans. It even gives visitors a chance to hold a baby alligator!

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy 32667
(352) 466-3397
Florida’s first State Preserve, this wonderful park features herds of wild horses and bison. Nearly 300 species of birds can also be found along with the alligators, deer, and many other animals.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

907 Whitehead Street, Key West 33040
Go for a walk through the peaceful studio, home, and gardens where the late Nobel Prize victor, Ernest Hemingway, was inspired to compose books during his most prolific years. You’ll likewise observe living relatives of the incredible unique six-toed felines!

Dudley Farm Historic State Park

18730 W. Newberry Road, Newberry 32669
(352) 472-1142
Spend a day with farm life as it was more than a century ago: guests participate! There’s birding, geo-seeking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and much more!

Tarpon Springs (and their Sponge Docks)

Tarpon Springs
Come to the Sponge Capital of the World and see the Sponge Docks! Learn how living sponges are harvested from the ocean. Restaurants are expanded into parking lots and shops have outdoor displays. The Greek Food is out of this world!

Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando 32803
(407) 246-2620
Investigate an astounding 50-acre botanical garden minutes from Downtown Orlando. Each garden is planned to inspire our guests. These gardens include over 40 collections, including a tropical rain forest, Florida’s largest formal rose garden, a butterfly garden, and much more!

The Ringling

5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota 34243
941-359-5700
The Ringling consists of more than one museum: Circus, Art, Ca’D’Zan, the Historic Asolo Theatre, Bayfront Gardens, and an Education Center. While some parts of the Museum are currently closed, there is still plenty to do and see!

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

4150 South Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446
352-628-5343
Enjoy the wild side of Florida while you visit an endangered Florida panther, red wolves, manatees, and much more. Homosassa Springs takes care of these animals who each have a unique life story.

Summer Crush Vineyard and Winery

4200 Johnston Rd., Fort Pierce 34951
(772) 460-0500
Come experience a winery like no other anywhere! Decades of growing experience mixed with years of vineyard planning and development make this a destination spot for wine lovers everywhere!

Coin jar and stack, and model house on wooden desk on green tree background, mortgage concept

Keeping the value of your home or even adding to the value of your home may not require a gigantic effort on your part. Simple things such as a tidy yard and garage, freshly painted exterior, building a car port or installing a modern kitchen are all ways to keep the value where you want it to be. After all, buying your property is a large investment of time and money.

Financially, if you rent out your property and are commanding more rent because of the improvements, this is reflected in the overall value of the place. You may also save money with tax deductions for your expenses related to improving the property. Larger equity from an improved home that will enable you to comfortably borrow more money for other investments.

Some factors which affect the value of your property over time, and may not be obvious are:

• Safety – homes in cul-de-sacs and areas safer for children.
• Location close to desirable schools.
• Limited availability – in a nice neighborhood, limited construction is allowed, causing values to rise over time.

Top property appreciation tips:

• Keep the property’s interior and exterior in good condition
• Do regular yard maintenance
• Take care of plumbing and gutters
• Bathroom and kitchen renovation as necessary
• Replace the roof

How To Choose a Property That Will Increase in Value

• Research the Neighborhood
  Are there problem areas? Is there any flooding or structural issues with the house? What future property development might occur?Use expert help and advice. An hour with a pro will save time and money.
  The best people to help you are a property inspector, a good real estate agent, a handyman, an insurance representative and an attorney.
• Inspect the property. Make sure there are no deteriorating roofs, termite infestations, or outdated electrical systems.
• Avoid overpaying for your property.
  You may end up crippled by debt or with a property that is worth considerably less than what you paid for it.

Another way of getting hold of a property that will appreciate in the short term is to acquire an undervalued property and quickly sell it for a profit. Some people will buy and sell a property in the same condition it is in, seeing the opportunity in the low price. The enemy here is a bad market which could leave the property on your hands. Other flippers renovate the property and add value before selling. This additional investment does slow down the appreciation.

There are some lower-cost ways to improve the value of your home:

• Plant a tree. Landscaping adds curb value.
• Add a money-saving luxury. A water filtration system is an excellent idea: not only does it purify the water, but it will lower grocery bills
• Improve the air quality in the home. One way is to get rid of carpets and replace them with tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring.
• Popcorn ceilings are dated. It’s actually fairly easy to scrape the popcorn away and replace it with a softer texture.
• Replace closed draperies with vertical blinds or shutters. Sunny rooms look bigger
• Small bathroom updates can help: replace wallpaper with paint or old lighting with a new fixture.
• Energy-efficient fixtures help increase house value. A ceiling fan can not only add lighting but help cut the cost of cooling your home.

Great, vintage, collectible or downright old car? How would you know the distinction, and exactly when does a more seasoned vehicle become an amazingly classic vehicle? For the most part it depends upon who you ask: various vehicle clubs, collectors, countries, and insurance agencies have different methods of deciding whether a vehicle qualifies as a classic car. The essential attributes of a classic vehicle are age, condition and uniqueness among different vehicles.

How do you classify these cars?

• Antique – A vehicle more than 45 years old.
• Classic – A vehicle made at least 20 years prior to the current year. This definition is accepted by most state DMV’s.
• CCCA Classic – A “fine” or “distinctive” automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948 as defned by the Classic Car Club of America.
• Vintage – A vehicle made between 1919 and 1930.

Is your classic car valuable?

To be valuable and extraordinary, it must also be in great condition and true to the original design. What does great condition mean? The vehicle ought to be roadworthy, the body ought to have no rust, the inside ought to be unblemished without tears in the upholstery, ground surface or header texture, and the motor should run. Finally, the vehicle must match the first factory design as closely as could reasonably be expected.

• Uniqueness: How many were produced? How many are are left?
• Prominence: The more well known the vehicle, the more noteworthy the interest, and the more prominent the interest, the higher the worth.
• Model Quality: When it fell off the creation line, was it viewed as cheap or extravagance?

The design of cars is generally divided into the following eras — horseless carriages or veteran cars, brass or Edwardian cars, vintage cars, classic cars (pre thru post war), muscle cars. The modern car era begins in the 1980s where design was dictated by fuel efficiency and safety. Distinctive features were abandoned and cars even by different manufacturers began to look the same.

The modern “classic” returns to the bold design of yesteryear. Some have marked this as a corporate ploy to dupe buyers with nostalgic redesign. But others see this a as a return to proper design sensibilities, after a 20-year hiatus.

Cult Following

Whether corporate ploy or design revival, the status of a modern classic is really determined on Saturday in garages and car shows all across America.  Drivers are looking for clean lines and distinctive looks. They want cars and trucks that stand out from the rest.

If auto makers fail to provide it, these drivers will weld, grind and paint their way to a new era of “classic.” Only time will tell which new designs will find fanatical followers who will keep it on the road for 40 years, instead of the scrap yard compactor.

Do you remember going to the drive-in movies? They were a big thing once…and they are coming back!

What can be more fun than pulling up in your car with your family, turning on the radio to the right station, and preparing to watch two movies…all from the comfort of your own car? What’s even better…you can bring blankets, babies, and adjust the volume to your desires!

Most drive ins also have concession stands, so you don’t even have to go hungry.

If you’re going to the movies in this new old method, there are a few things you might want to take with you:

• Folding Chairs (Just in case you want to sit outside of your car.) Air loungers are good, too!
• A Cooler With Drinks. Some theatres might charge if you bring your own food and drink, but it doesn’t hurt to have them! Coffee is good when it’s a double-show, especially since the second one might not even start until late night
• Supper and You’re keeping awake until late so it’s everything about the carbs. You can’t turn out badly with popcorn, pretzels, and chips. Most theatres will not permit open flames of grills of any kind.
• Extra Cash for Concessions
• Plates, Napkins, Paper Cups
• Cleaning Wipes and Hand Sanitizers
• Portable Radios and Spare Batteries – you might want to watch from outside, after all!
• Sports Stuff to Play With Before it Gets Dark – you want a decent spot, you need to come early. Think of it like tailgating at your favorite football team’s home game.
• Bug Spray
• Snuggie or Blankets. It may be Florida, but at night it might still get cold.
• Rope to secure your trunk
• Check your screen number for each movie! Your first and second film might be on different screens, after all.

Now that you know what to bring, here’s some places where you can go for a great Drive-In experience:

• Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre – Lakeland:The Silver Moon has two screens usually showing first-run movies – with double features seven nights a week.
• Ocala Drive-In, Ocala: Renovated and reopened in 2011, affordable with great movies (and the concession stand has rave reviews)
• Joy-Lan Drive In & Swap Shop – Dade City: Shows first-run movies, and has in-car speakers available on some rows
• Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre – Ruskin:Great movies, good food, 2000 square foot screen and open year round!
• Swap Shop & Drive-In Theatre, Fort Lauderdale:14 screen drive in theatre that doubles as the largest drive-in and flea market in the world.
• Lake Worth Swap Shop and Drive-In, Lake Worth: Down-to-earth flea market with 2,000+ vendors, a drive-in movie theater & a food court.

If you’ve just bought a house…congratulations! You’ve survived the offer, the home inspection, mortgage application, financing, closing! Now it’s time to make that house your home.

Keys and Locks

Many people don’t think of this, but it’s a great idea to replace the locks or “rekey” them so that the old keys no longer work. Changing locks is easy to do, but you can hire a locksmith if you’d prefer to leave it to experts. This is also a good time to find a great “hiding” place for a key so you don’t get locked out. Under the doormat is way too easy to figure out.

You never know who has a copy of the old key. They may have left some with friends and family, or loaned it out to an ex-roommate. They might even have a spare for themselves. Even if you’re buying a new home, contractors who worked on the home might also have keys.

Now, there are some fun options for door locks. They have Keyless Entry door locks, which allow you to program in codes for people…this eliminates the need to have that hidden key. If you have someone watching your dog? No worries! Set up a code for them for when they’re there…then deactivate the code after!

Appliances

Sometimes, the previous owners might take their appliances with them: you might need to get a new refrigerator, washer and dryer, microwave. When purchasing them, remember to keep energy efficiency in mind. An old refrigerator can really run up that electric bill!

Again, you can have fun with these. There are some amazing gas stoves, for example, that have a section in the middle which is perfect for putting a griddle on. New home…new lifestyle!

Lawn Mower

Of course, this is dependent upon how much lawn you have and how much effort you want to put into your yard. While you could hire a service for your yard, that can run up in costs especially in the spring and summer. Having your own lawn mower can be a real money saver in the long run. If you have a particularly large yard, a ride-on mower might be perfect for you (and maybe a lot of fun!) With a smaller yard, gas and electric lawnmowers are a nice cost-effective way to keep your grass trimmed.

Garden Supplies

The yard might have some amazing flower beds, shrubs, and trees but without the proper tools they can get out of hand. Keep your curb appeal flourishing by investing in a garden hose, weed-whackers, shovels, rakes, and spades. Garden gloves can also help.

A fun thing to help is this stool that has wheels on it so you aren’t always bending over. You might also do well to get a push broom, wheelbarrow, and watering can.

Tools and Repair Items

Many new homeowners don’t feel like they have bought a house until they purchased their first tool. The tool-box that’s well-stocked can truly help you have a happy home. Things to make sure to put in it are:

• Hammers
• Screwdrivers: both flat-head and phillips
• Assorted screws, nails, and wall hooks
• Hacksaw
• Pliers
• Plumber’s wrench
• Basin wrench
• Small power drill and drill bits
• Nail driver
• Staple gun
• Tape measure
• Level

Looking for a job is the easiest part of the process. Our classifieds offer several pages devoted to listing vacant job positions. Being well-prepared, though, is a little more demanding. There will probably be a lot of competition for the job, and you will need to find ways to be better-prepared than most.

Resume

Having a very good resume will immediately increase your chances of getting the job. Make sure you use good quality paper, a good font style and size, and write a very cordial and interesting cover letter. These documents are your introduction to the employer and will be their first impression of you. Therefore, you have to make sure you seem an organized and methodical person.

Tailor every resume to the job you are applying for, a generic one will not do. Use a standard format and include all the relevant details of your education, training and past employment. Remember, you want to sound like the right person for the job, so show the employer why they should choose you.

Not all resume formats are the same! Here are some of the formats and who should use them:

• Chronological – These are the most commonly used resumes. They list work history preferred by most employers with the most recent positions on the top. These are best when you have a solid work history with no lapses and your experience fits the job you are applying for exactly.
• Functional – These resumes focus on your skills and experience first. Employment history is listed under the details of your skills. This format is effective for those who have lapses in their employment, are in the middle of a career change, are recently graduated college students with limited work experience, or have a very diverse background with no single career path.
• Combination – These resumes combine both skills and experience while still providing a chronological listing of work history. This allows you to more easily tailor the resume to the prospective job. This is great for those who want to detail their work experience.
• Targeted – These are customized in detail to the job being sought. Everything from objective through the qualifications directly mirrors the job requirements. These are the most time-consuming to create but can generate the best results as the resume is made to closely match the job listing. With these resumes, you should avoid embellishing career highlights just to match the job. Make sure you accurately list your skills.

Interview

Be well prepared for the interview mentally and physically. After your resume, this is your final chance to make a good impression. Dress appropriately for the job, make sure you have neat hair and nails, and turn up a little before the appointed time. A clean smell and muted accessories are much better than loud clothes and accessories and an overpowering perfume.

Mentally, be relaxed and well-prepared. Rehearse the interview a few times in your head. Breathe in a relaxed way and remember to smile and seem quietly confident. Do not be loud and opinionated, or talk at length about yourself without letting the interviewer fit in a word. Remember: Confidence is key.

Background Research

Do some research about the company before the interview date. Look at their website or read their internal newsletter/publication. You need to know the main facts about the company such as how long it has existed, who the key people are, if they are present in other countries, policies and other relevant information. They may ask you at the interview how you see yourself as fitting into the company. By showing that you know a little about the company, and giving specific and relevant answers, you will be ahead of the game.

Many employers also expect you to have some questions about the company and the job. Knowing important information about the company will enable you to make intelligent and relevant questions.

Finally, remember that there is an element of luck to every job application, too. And by luck, we mean preparedness. Do not be too downhearted if you did not get the position. Just be more prepared. A company may receive tens or hundreds of applications from suitably qualified people, but they have to make a choice, no matter how difficult that may be.

The classifieds are a great place to find a pet. Many pet owners and breeders use the classifieds to let others know their dog, cat, fish bird, turtle or snake needs a new home.

Look for Adult Pets

You can skip the house breaking puppy phase by buying an adult dog. When adult pets are sold, it is often because the owners are moving and can’t take the pet with them. This usually means the pet will come with its own toys, cage, or tank, even food. Also, ask for their vet’s contact info, so your vet can get your pet’s health information.

As long as you are reading the classifieds, it’s a good time to look for additional pet accessories. Hamster cages, dog kennels, and cat trees can all be found in usable condition. Just be sure to thoroughly clean any used items before giving them to your pet.

Find a Reputable Breeder

When using the classifieds to find a pet, check that the breeder is running a good operation where the animals are in good health and not living in filthy conditions or being bred too often.

You should try to visit the seller personally, if possible, once you have made contact. You may then pick your pet from the available litter. The pets should look well-cared for, comfortable, happy and healthy. The seller should be able to confidently answer any questions you have about the pet and give you advice regarding care and feeding.

In the case of dogs and cats, the one or both parents will be on the premises. Bird eggs can be incubated, but look for a breeding pair to be present. Expect a health certificate to come with your new pet.

Watch Out for Scammers

Beware of any scams where you are asked for shipping address or asked to send money by wire transfer. If anything does not feel right, then end the conversation. Contact our HelpDesk if you find something suspicious.

Ease the Transition for a Happier Pet

Prepare the home of the pet in advance and buy the necessary feed, cage or accessories. Give the pet time to settle down for a few days and do not stress it out with too much attention and too many people crowding round.

Decide carefully about the pet you are going to add to your family based on the time, budget, space you have available and considering your lifestyle and the needs of your family. If you have little time then buy a hamster, fish, bird or similar pet that requires little care. A dog and cat need more interaction and grooming than other small animals. The pet should be safe around children, if you have any, though you should always supervise any play as young children can be unintentionally too rough with the pet.

Always follow the breeder’s instructions regarding feeding and other habits. If you notice that your pet is behaving in an unusual way or is not eating regularly then you should seek veterinary advice.

Hurricane season with symbol sign against a stormy background and copy space. Dirty and angled sign adds to the drama.

The best time to prepare your personal emergency plan and make sure it is up to date is before you need it. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy ways to be prepared for the next hurricane:

The first step to being prepared for a Hurricane is to know the common terms used in forecasts. A “Watch” means that a hurricane or tropical storm are possible. A “Warning” means that the storm is expected. Hurricane warnings usually are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.

The eye of the storm is a clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm. While there are calmer conditions in the eye, this doesn’t mean the storm is over. The area surrounding the eye is where some of the most severe weather is with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.

Rain bands come off the storm and produce severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind, and even tornadoes. A storm surge is the result of ocean water swelling as a result of the storm. This causes quick floods on the coast and even sometimes further inland.

Once you understand the terms, the next step is to prepare your home and an evacuation plan. We’ll cover evacuation plans later.

Preparing your home can be done in three steps:

ONE: Create your hurricane kit (plan for at least 3 days)

• Non-perishable food
• Water
• First-aid kit (including prescription medications)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Battery operated radio with extra batteries
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener
• Lighter or Matches
• Books, magazines, games
• Special needs: Pet supplies, baby supplies
• Cooler & ice packs

TWO: Secure your home.

• Cover all of your windows with either hurricane shutters or wood. Tape does not prevent the window from breaking
• Secure straps or clips to fasten your roof to the structure of your home
• Trip all trees and shrubs and clear rain gutters
• Reinforce garage doors
• Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations…in other words, if it’s not tied down, bring it in!

THREE: Prepare for power outages.

• Make sure your gas tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Make sure you have enough for cars and generators well in advance: otherwise, the gas station may run out before you get yours
• Have extra cash on hand in case ATMs don’t work
• Charge your cell phone, have backup chargers charged, and limit cell phone use after power is out
• Cover up windows on the inside in order to reduce the need for Air Conditioning
• Fill your bathtub and large containers for washing and flushing only
• Follow this guide for food safety: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage
• Follow this guide if your power goes out: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/index.html

Finally, remember the cycle of a hurricane: Approach, Arrival, and Aftermath. We advise you follow this guide and listen to the officials for directions. Remember to plan ahead for evacuation, and if you’re advised you need to go: follow the plan!

How to evacuate:

• Plan how you will leave and where you will go.
• Check which shelter spaces are available for the year. Be warned: Covid-19 might have changed your community’s plans!
• If you evacuate to a community shelter, follow the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People over 2 years old should use a cloth facial covering. Be sure you bring face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or even household cleaning supplies. Also, be sure to maintain at least 6 feet between you and those not in your immediate family.
• Identify several places you could go in an emergency, just in case space in shelters are limited.If you have a pet, make sure your evacuation plan includes them. Most public shelters only allow service pets.
• Take your pets.
• Be familiar with alternate routes away from your area.
• Come up with a plan in case your family gets separated.
• Prepare a bag with supplies: snacks, cleaning supplies, games, etc.
• If you have a car, make sure there’s a full tank of gas if evacuation seems likely. Otherwise, keep a half a tank minimum. Make sure you have a portable emergency kit in the car. If you don’t have a car, plan how you will evacuate if needed.
• Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there’s a risk of flooding.
• Leave a note telling others where you are going and when you left.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provide protection.
• Check with neighbors: they might need a ride!
• Watch for road hazards and don’t drive into flooded areas.
• When you return, please remember: only use generators outside and away from your home!