Hurricanes are on the way, so be prepared

Be prepared. That’s the motto of the Boy Scouts, as it should be for all of us. Hurricane season officially starts June 1, and through its duration, ending Nov. 30, it’s a good call to make sure our homes are secure and our larders properly stocked. It’s always a good time to do those things, but for hurricanes specifically, here are a few suggestions:

» Remove or secure loose items outside such as garbage cans, garden tools and old solar fixtures. Install hurricane clips.

» Have bottled water for drinking and containers that can be filled quickly with water for cleaning and cooking. A propane-gas cooker for boiling water is a good idea, as is a gasoline-powered generator.

» And batteries — have more than a few to power those flashlights, radios and other devices if the power goes out.

» Have a supply of canned foods, plus maybe some dried foods like beans and oats for cooking.

» Make sure your vehicles are fully fueled and running well. » Have medical supplies available. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has many other hints on how you can be prepared, at: www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php.