Rotating Hurricane Supplies: Why is it Important to Switch Out Your Emergency Kit?

As a resident of south Florida, I've weathered numerous hurricanes. Hurricanes like Katrina and Wilma created extensive damage and left many Florida residents without electricity for days. At the beginning of every hurricane season, we're reminded to stock up and given a supply list to check off. But it's important to remember that most of those items eventually expire, and that you need to verify that your supplies are fresh and in working order. Some of the items you should be rotating on a regular basis include gasoline, batteries, cooking fuels, water and canned foods.

Local regulations restrict where and how gas can be stored, so it's important to check with your local municipality. Generally no more than 25 gallons of gas can be stored at any given residence and it must be stored in approved 5 gallon canisters. Do not fill canisters more than 95% full to allow for heat expansion; otherwise you may be faced with leaking gas or fumes. Gasoline should not be stored in the sun, near a water heater, a central heating/cooling system, or any other source of heat and more than 50 ft away from any ignition source like a pilot light or electric motor.