If you hear that a hurricane is coming your mind usually jumps right to creating a mental checklist of things you need to do to prepare. Usually the first thing you think of is the supplies you will need to be best equipped to handle the incoming hurricane.

While we applaud you for be the proactive champion that you are, we just want to make sure you keep these five things in mind.

1. Food & Water

Get your supplies well in advance, enough for each person for at least one week. It’s extremely important to stock up as early as possible because as the hurricane gets closer it will be more difficult to secure the necessary supplies.

Make sure to gather enough supplies that will account for each person in your household. Keep your food and water in a safe and secure place that is easily accessible for you.

2. Medicine & First-Aid

Ensure that you have 30 days worth of medication and supplies that meet the needs of each member of your family. Pharmacies may be closed for a significant period of time so be sure that you are proactive in securing enough medication and medical supplies early.

3. Communications & House Products

Have extra batteries for radios and a your portable batteries fully charged that you can hook your phone into. This ensures that you will have viable means of communication even if the electricity goes out.

Be sure to secure home flood control products that will help if hurricane flooding reaches your house. You can find a wide variety of products to help secure your home here.

4. GASOLINE

Fill up your car or a gas can before the hurricane arrives. Remember that if the power goes out you will not be able to pump gas into your car.

Gas stations could be closed for a significant amount of time. Therefore it is important that you have your car completely ready for travel if you need to.

5. MONEY & ID

Without any electricity, ATMs and credit cards will not work at stores. Make sure that you have enough cash on hand to be able to purchase necessities.

Also be sure to keep all of your family’s identification together and in a safe place. If you need to travel make sure that you have correct ID on you at all times especially post-hurricane.

Those are just a few helpful things that we hope will go a long way in your preparation for a hurricane. Remember to be prepared well before the incoming storm. Stay as safe as possible!