September is typically a mild weather month, but unfortunately it's also a time when hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions can pop up. With that in mind, it's a good time to review the items you should keep in your emergency kit.
Some of the items the Red Cross says you absolutely need include:
* A plan for your pet. Evacuate early with your pets. Have food, pet carriers, leashes, and water.
* Water, one gallon per day per person; three days worth for an evacuation.
* Non-perishable food items, same guidelines as for water. Take a can opener.
* Flashlight
* Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, preferably a NOAA weather radio
* Extra batteries
* First aid kit that includes prescription medicines
* Cell phones with chargers
* Extra cash (remember that ATMs and other machines often don't work) and credit cards
* Documents, including insurance papers, ID, deed or lease to the home, proof of address, medication list
* Emergency contact info
* Emergency blankets
* Map of the area (cell phone service, including GPS, could be lost)