COLUMBIA (WACH) - Talk of hurricane preparedness seems to only come up when a giant storm is lurking off the coast of the Southeastern US, but Anna Kate Christophillis with the Red Cross says that preparedness kit everyone talks about can come in handy all year long.
"You’re out at the pool, and your child gets a cut, we have a first aid kit in there," said Christophillis. "We also have ponchos in there, should a big thunderstorm comes in, and we know those summer thunderstorms happen frequently in our area.
Kits should be packed with essentials needed to survive the immediate aftermath of a severe storm or other natural disaster. Despite its inland location, The Midlands is not completely immune from severe weather associated with hurricanes.
"We could get high winds; we could see sporadic tornados, so we really do encourage people to be prepared," adds Christophillis.
In the event you have to flee your home before a storm your four legged friends may not be allowed to take shelter with you.
"Shelters do not actually allow pets, make sure you know where you're going to take your pet, the friendly areas that accept those pets."
Christophillis says having a kit, being prepared, and informed now can save you a lot of problems later on.
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