By Sylvie McCarthy

Hurricane season is in full swing, and on June 24 Brookdale Southside hosted a hurricane preparedness seminar with special guest News 4 Jax meteorologist Michelle McCormick.

McCormick has lived in Jacksonville for more than 20 years and has seen firsthand how being prepared can make a huge difference.

McCormick said one of the easiest ways to prepare is by making a hurricane kit. These kits can look different for everyone depending on your families’ specific needs, but there are some basic supplies that should be included in every kit. Batteries, flashlights and medications are important things to include as well as a battery powered radio to hear important storm updates even during a power outage. Having a gallon-size zip-lock bag with all your important documents inside, including passports and birth certificates, is also highly recommended.

Water is another important supply to remember. McCormick said that one gallon of water per person in your family per day is recommended. She also said that it is important to have enough water and supplies to last up to seven days.

“Being prepared saves time, money and potentially lives,” said McCormick.

McCormick also talked about the importance of knowing the difference between storm watches and warnings. A watch is issued to let people know that there is the potential for severe weather. A warning is issued when the severe weather is imminent.

McCormick also spoke about the importance of knowing what zone your family is located in. Each county in Florida has its own emergency management website. Jaxready.com is a great tool for residents of Duval County to look up their zone and stay informed on any developing weather conditions. St. Johns County residents can go to SJCEmergencyManagement.com to look up local zones, hurricane shelters and more.

Representatives from Brookdale also spoke at the seminar informing residents that the facility has an emergency management plan for any type of emergency. This plan is updated every year and sent to the City of Jacksonville for approval.