No better time than post-Hurricane- panic to sit back and reevaluate some things on how we can make this situation a little easier for next time. We live in paradise, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the news and weather alerts during hurricane season. Living on the Gulf Coast is certainly nothing to be afraid of and there are some easy things to do in advance should a storm decide to hit.

The easiest way to put preparations in place and ease a bit of your stress next time the meteorologist alerts: Have a basic disaster supplies kit ready.

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Blanket/pillow
• Cell phone chargers and a backup battery

This kit should be air-tight and stored in a dry/safe place in your home during the summer months. Preparing this in advance saves the stress and worry of having to store-hop to find water or gather batteries in a time of emergency.

Once you get that squared away, pat yourself on the back for being so proactive and prepared! Then, head to one of the Island’s great waterfront restaurants, soak up the sun, and order yourself a Hurricane to drink. Or you can make one of your own with our recipe below:

Hurricane drink recipe (serves 2):

• 2 oz. light rum
• 3 oz. dark rum
• 6 oz. passion fruit juice
• 6 oz. orange juice
• 2 tbsp. grenadine
• 2 Orange slices

Mix ingredients, pour over ice, garnish with orange slice.

Hurricane season can be stressful, you deserve it!