This is Hurricane Preparedness Week, and we’re already two named storms into the season. The experts at The Weather Channel are calling for a slightly below average season, thanks to the cooler Atlantic water, among other factors. NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts a 70% chance for nine to 15 named storms of which four to eight will strengthen to a hurricane with top winds of 74 mph, and of those one to three will become major hurricanes. We’ve already had Alberto and Beryl. But as we always say, no matter what the predictions, it only takes one. As someone who works on the Emergency Team for Cox Media Group, I know that all too well. Experiencing the 2004 season when we thought Charley was heading right now Tampa Bay? Not a feeling I ever want to experience again. That was an intense season and now is the time to make sure you have your preparations in place.

   Since this is Kelly’s Kitchen, we’ll focus on what you should have ready in terms of food and water. We’re told to prepare at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food items, keeping in mind any special needs you or a family member might have. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is to make sure you avoid foods that might make you thirsty, and go for the salt free selections. Your water supply should be for a gallon of water per person, per day, and again keeping in mind those with special needs and our temperatures. Also, think about power outages for any number of days and to have items like a manual can opener ready. And don’t forget "comfort food" items that will always come in handy, like hard candy. Pack those supplies in a watertight container, making sure that everyone knows where it is in case you have to move in a hurry, keeping your food, water and sheltering supplies in a safe place. If you’re a pet owner, same rules apply here.

   Check your local county emergency sites, and make sure you know where to evacuate and how soon to do so. We’re focusing more now on storm surge and those warnings will probably come in advance of the wind warnings to allow everyone to get out in time. Check for pet friendly and special needs shelters, and the best case scenario of course it to try and make plans to stay in a safe zone with someone, and allow the shelters to be used for those truly in need.

Here are links to sites you’ll want to bookmark for your area; Hillsborough County; Pinellas County; Pasco County; Polk County; Hernando County; Manatee County; Sarasota County

Attention all potential Masterchefs! Log on now and enter for  your chance to become a better cook at home. You could win a 3-piece cutlery set and a Masterchef cookbook collection, along with the chance to qualify to win the Grand Prize of a four day, three night trip to Boston. That trip includes a custom Masterchef cooking class, taught by Le Cordon Bleu chefs, courtesy of Fox 13!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail - Benjamin Franklin