Stocking Up For The Storm - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Stocking Up For The Storm

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Florida Panhandle -

If you've ever been through a storm, you know that having the right supplies handy can make a world of difference. That's why area retailers are encouraging you to stock up before it's too late.

The crowd today at Lowe's in Panama City was pretty sparse Sunday, but workers say they expect much more people to crowd the aisles as Debby gets closer to making landfall. As with every severe storm there are essential items you may want to pick up. Here's a list, courtesy of the Red Cross:

  • Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
  • Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents(medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact
  • information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map(s) of the area
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Rain gear
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Camera for photos of damage 

Sandbags may also be necessary, as flooding is expected around the Panhandle. Lowe's assistant store manager Marti Gillen shares an important tip for where you should place your sandbags if flooding is imminent where you live.

"The doors and windows of the wind direction it's blowing, that's the side of the house you really want to concentrate on," Gillen said. "Because with the gust of winds, the water can blow right under the doors and windows."