Hurricane season has arrived: Are you prepared? Published June 14, 2010 By Cristie Varvaro AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. This region is not immune to hurricanes. Being prepared is imperative. When preparing for a hurricane, always have a plan. Plans include an emergency kit containing a large supply of food, water, household items and prescription medications. The National Hurricane Center is predicting 11 to 16 named storms, six to eight of them minor hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes for 2010. Gathering emergency supplies and solidifying an evacuation plan is the key to keeping you and your family safe when a hurricane warning is issued. Once an evacuation plan has been established, creating a hurricane kit with emergency food and supplies will allow you to be prepared in the event of power loss. Such items should include: · Canned foods for easy storage and long shelf life. · High energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix. · Three day supply, or more, of water. · First Aid Kit, including sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes. · Toilet paper and towelettes. · Battery operated radio. · Supply of over the counter and prescription medications. · Don't forget your pets. Include canned or dry pet food along with an extra collar or leash. Although each item listed above is critical to have in a hurricane kit, an accurate supply of prescription medications is essential. "I recommend for each patient to have a two week supply of prescription medications," said Dr. Dawn Adams, located at the 779th Medical Wing. "This will allow for the patient to be fully prepared in the event that clinics are not operable immediately following a natural disaster." For more information on hurricanes and how to prepare for the hurricane season, visit the Air Force Safety Center website at www.af.mil or the National Weather Service at http://www.weather.gov/.