TAMPA, Fla. — As Tropical Storm Milton is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane, it's important for Tampa Bay residents to make sure their hurricane kits are ready to go.
The National Hurricane Center says Floridians should prepare for Tropical Storm Milton to bring "life-threatening impacts" to Florida's west coast.
The Florida Department of Emergency Management suggests that each household have enough "essential supplies" to last every family member — and yes, that means pets, too — for at least one week.
Here are some things you should have in your kit according to emergency management experts:
- One gallon of water per person, per day
- Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Cereal, granola bars, crackers, canned foods
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Portable chargers that are pre-charged
- First aid kit
- Medications
- A multi-purpose tool like a Swiss Army knife
- Copies of personal documents
- Passports, birth certificates, insurance policies
- Extra cash
- Extra fuel for car or generator
Here are some additional supplies that can be helpful:
- Towels
- Scissors
- Duct tape
- Garbage bags or plastic bags
- Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes
- Pet food/necessities
- Sleeping bags
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for kids
- Local maps
- Coolers
There are two waves of low pressure that will impact our weather starting on Sunday. The first area of low pressure will just increase rain chances on Sunday. Then, from Tuesday through Thursday, Milton will make a move toward Florida as a hurricane. Track, timing and intensity are still being pinpointed so check back. You can get the latest updates here.
We will continue to provide the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters.