As Hurricane Matthew inches closer, Central Florida residents are stocking up on supplies and frantically checking the weather for updates. If you’ve made it out to the grocery store, then you probably already noticed the crowded parking lots, dwindling water supplies, and nearly empty shelves, but is all this scrambling necessary?

Hurricanes should never be taken lightly, and the staying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” rings especially true for Hurricane Matthew. A hurricane’s path can be unpredictable, so it’s important to have all necessary supplies on hand should conditions take a sudden turn for the worse. Indeed, most of Central Florida is already under a hurricane warning, and there is speculation that Hurricane Matthew could become a Category 4 storm by Thursday evening or Friday morning.

What should we expect in Central Florida?

Hurricane Matthew’s expected impact on Central Florida is still largely unknown. Forecasters believe we’ll see roughly four to seven inches of rain, though this number may change depending on how close the storm comes to land. Heavy rain, high winds, and power outages are to be expected, and Governor Rick Scott has already declared a state of emergency for all Florida counties.

How should you prepare?

Should we loose power, you’ll want to have all necessary supplies on hand.

We recommend stocking up on all the below items:

• Food and Medicine: Keep your pantry stocked with enough non-perishable food for you and your family (including pets!) to last at least a few days. Also be certain that you have all necessary medications ready, as pharmacies may be closed for a few days following the storm.
• Water: The American Red Cross recommends having one gallon of water per person per day.
• Emergency Supplies: It’s a good idea to stock up on flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Also be certain that your portable cell charger is ready to use, as you many need the extra battery life to call loved ones or emergency services.
• Money: Power outages may prevent you from being able to withdraw money from the bank, so we recommend withdrawing some cash before the storm in case you need it.

The last thing you’ll want to worry about during a hurricane is whether or not you are prepared. We at Belmont Management Group are especially invested in the safety and comfort our tenants and owners. We encourage you to take all necessary precautions and remember that there is never any harm in being over prepared!