Hurricane Irma Safety Measures: Florida and Puerto Rico Prepare For Natural Disaster

Just days after Hurricane Harvey created havoc in Texas, another hurricane threat is lurking in the U.S. as Hurricane Irma which grew to a Category 4 storm Tuesday even as it continues to make its way across the Atlantic toward Florida and other states in the U.S.

Without any further delay, emergency declarations were made in Florida and Puerto Rico on Monday. Irma's path is not fixed until now, however, the possibility of it striking the U.S. compelled Florida Gov. Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency in all the 67 counties, according to a statement.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló also declared a state of emergency Monday and took a measure like activating the National Guard before the landfall of Irma. Rosselló undertook this step after the National Hurricane Center declared a hurricane watch for the Caribbean island.

Although the government is gearing up for the natural calamity, as individuals you should also be prepared by stocking up on home essentials and other things that might get inaccessible once the calamity strikes.

Following are the essentials that you should have at home as suggested by the National Hurricane Center, according to CBS Miami.

1) Water - Store at least one gallon of water per person or animal per day for at least three days.

2) Store at least three-day supply of non-perishable food.

3) Keep a battery-powered radio with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio tone alert and extra batteries so that you know the latest updates.

4) Make sure that your flashlight has extra batteries.

5) Keep your first aid kit ready.

6) Keep your manual can opener ready as when the electricity is out, you would need something to open your canned food with.

7) Keep extra battery packs or a solar charger ready for your cell phones.

8) Purchase all the required prescription medications.

9) Keep enough cash at home.

10) Ensure that you have copies of insurance policies and some form of state issued ID.

11) You will need sturdy shoes such as rain boots and sneakers. Pull them out from your shoe rack.

12) For all pet owners, stock enough pet supplies as they would need enough food and water to brace the storm.

13) Incase you have a generators, ensure you have propane and also try to top off your gas tank well in advance.

For those who live in high-rise condos in south Florida, your way of gearing up for the hurricane needs to be different. The higher person lives, higher the winds will be. Shutters are important to protect your property. Any item that is left in your balcony can become a projectile and cause damage to you and your neighbor, so remove all such things.

If your buildings are not equipped with power generators and if you are disabled and cannot climb up and down multiple flights of stairs, you should find another place during the time hurricane strikes your place, according to CBS Miami.