The thick of hurricane season is here; be prepared

As most of you know, we are in the midst of hurricane season in the Lowcountry, and the prime time for storms to head our way is in the coming weeks. So, I hope this will be a reminder that preparation is the key to making it through storms with the best possible outcome.

Please take note of a few reminders:

* Make sure all personal information, contact information, medical information, and important documents (insurance policies, bank accounts, Social Security cards, certificates of birth, death, and/or marriage, pet records, and wills) are up-to-date and in a secure location.

* Make sure to have at least a two-week supply of prescription medication.

·* Make sure to have a spare pair of glasses, a spare cane, crutches, or any other assistance devices.

* Make sure to have flashlights, portable radios, and plenty of batteries.

* Make sure to have at least $200 in cash, in small bill denominations.

* Make sure to have all pet supplies and medications, along with any vaccination records.

* Make sure to have a first-aid kit for minor injuries.

* Make sure to fill all gas tanks and cans.

* Make sure to keep a paper copy of all important phone numbers.

* Make sure to take a home inventory of all valuables, either on paper or by taking a video while doing a walk-thru of your home.

* Make sure you have a place to stay when you evacuate, and make sure you have a backup plan in case plans change due to the storm.

* Make sure when you evacuate, power is turned off to your house at the breaker, and gas and water lines are turned off at the main valve.

If there is an evacuation, the town set the bar on communication, and will continue to do so. In the past we have provided hourly updates on all social media, and also support the county's NIXLE site.

If you haven't downloaded that site, please take a minute and do so. You will get the same information from the both the county and the town, and it never hurts to utilize all social media outlets.

If there is damage after the storm, again, we will work diligently with our resources to get you back to your home quickly so you can assess any damage. But it is important for you to wait until our area has been declared safe.

If you don't evacuate, there will be very strict adherence to any curfew set in place by the county. Power, water, internet and other necessities for daily living will most likely be turned off or not working, so you are much better off going inland and waiting for the "all clear" to come back.

We have gone through this before, and understand what needs to take place before, during and after any threat of a hurricane.

If you ever have questions about our wonderful town, don't hesitate to contact Town Hall at 706-4500 or email Lisa Sulka at [email protected].

Mayor's memos

Lisa Sulka

Bluffton Today