Hurricane lessons

Things we've learned from surviving the storms

FLOOD WATERS: Never eat food that has come in contact with flood waters. Feed babies canned formulas and canned food that has been freshly-prepared with safe, bottled water. If you are unsure of the safety of water for adult and animal consumption, boil it for a full minute and cool for later use. Better still, have a seven-day supply of bottled water in your hurricane kit. Floodwaters often contain sewage. Disinfect toys that have been in floodwater with bleach using instructions on the bleach container.

PHONE SIGNAL: If your cell phone signal is too weak to call, a text message may get through. If your power is out, an old-fashioned phone with a cord may work when a cordless phone won't.

STRESS: A disaster is stressful for adults and kids. University of Florida helpful information is at

REPLACING DOCUMENTS: Visit for instructions on replacing lost or damaged birth certificates and other important documents.