According to the American Red Cross you'll get about 20 square feet of space if you're going to be at one of their shelters during hurricane season, so it’s important to be economical when you are packing. Red Cross volunteer Jim Young has some tips.
- You can bring anything that has a crank, like a radio or flashlights or anything that has extra batteries to go with it.
- You should definitely bring a weather radio.
- Red Cross shelters do not allow coolers, but if you do have a small personal cooler you can keep your medication in it.
- Two blankets and a pillow for each person are a must. Lawn chairs are suggested for sleeping on and they’re easy to transport. Sleeping bags are also good.
- Air mattresses are discouraged, unless they are twin sized or for multiple people.
- Unless it's a service animal, pets are not allowed in regular shelters. There are pet shelters in every county.
This hurricane season you can count on News 13, your Severe Weather Experts, to help your family plan and prepare for hurricane season with your Weather on the 1's Tropical Updates, at :21 and :51 after the hour.
You can also find exclusive stories on News 13 on Demand at no additional charge on Channel 313 on Bright House Networks Digital Cable.
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