It’s been five years since Hurricane Irma hit The Villages and we may have gotten a little rusty when it comes to preparation for tropical activity and a potential hurricane.

The Historic Side of The Villages was hit especially hard during Irma in 2017 with homes flooded and power lost for several days. The golf cart bridge over U.S. Hwy. 27/441 closed due to flooding, cutting off many residents who depend on golf cart transportation.

Experts advise that the best thing to do is make sure you have a plan and a supply kit in place long before the storm hits.

Following is a list of essential items:

Cash: banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods

Water: at least one gallon per person per day for three to seven days for drinking and sanitation

Food: enough for three to seven days, including non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, food for infants and the elderly, snack food, manual can opener, vitamins

Meal supplies: paper plates, paper cups, paper towels, and plastic utensils

Radio: battery-powered radio and NOAA weather radio with extra batteries

First Aid Kit: plus medicines and prescription drugs (one week or longer supply with a list of all medications, dosage, and any allergies)

Toiletries: hygiene items, moisture wipes, and sanitizer

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

Masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and spray

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water

Copies of medical insurance and/or Medicare identification cards

Contact information for doctors, relatives, or friends to be notified if you are injured

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