The new advisory from the National Hurricane Center and our meteorologists at 10 Tampa Bay Weather now say it’s Tropical Storm Idalia which could return hurricane strength this week. Tropical Storm Warnings are up for the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cozumel TD and will move into the Gulf overnight. We could have a hurricane with the strongest potential for wind, and flooding Tuesday into Wednesday.

The Dove Hurricane Guide is here to help you prepare, protect, and help with recovery from the storm. If you haven’t already done it, make sure you have the Dove App downloaded for current information along with tips you may not have thought of like how to make the most of your food and water supply. And no, that does not include the hurricane cakes from Publix who announced this week they’re not making them anymore.

It’s also the time to make copies of important items like homeowners insurance, medical cards (and a list of medications and to have a supply ready to go) and take pictures or video of your house, inside and out. Don’t forget to gather up the chargers, and to have one of the charging bricks to keeps things going when the power goes out.

-The second Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays is underway through September 8th. Keep this list with you when you’re stocking up on essentials like batteries, flashlights, portable radios, and more. Don’t forget that pet supplies and household essentials like cleaning supplies are also on the list. Also double check your water supply, and know how much you’ll need with this advice from 10 Tampa Bay Meteorologist Natalie Ferrari.

- Sandbag locations are now opening in the Bay area, and 10 Tampa Bay Chief Meteorologist Bobby Deskins has helpful information you need to know. Best thing to remember is to bring proof of residency when you go, and be ready to shovel your own sand. Here’s the current list. The city of St Pete announced on their Instagram feed more centers are open with extended hours, so take a look and be prepared.

-Your personal plan should include a safe place to ride out the storm, and if you have special needs and need to stay in a shelter, to register now. Shelters should be the last resort but knowing where to go will help, especially if you have pets, too. Not all shelters accept them, so look now to see if one near you does.

-Know your zone in case you’re ordered to evacuate. It may have changed and it’s very specific so check the map from the Florida Division of Emergency Management to see where you are and if you do have to leave where the evacuation routes are.

-Scams are inevitable after a disaster, and knowing where to report them is is easy. Call the Florida Office of the Attorney General at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM or visit MyFloridaLegal.com to file a complaint.

So what are your personal plans, and how do you talk with the kids about this without scaring them? Use the Dove Open Mic on the App @1055the Dove to let us know how you’re doing and what you do to prepare. If your group or organization is lending a helping hand, so me a note at Ann.Kelly@cmg.com. We’re all in this together, and let’s help each other out.

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