May 30, 2007 — To help Floridians prepare for hurricanes and other disasters, Florida's American Red Cross chapters are recognizing the Twelve Days of Hurricane Season.

From June 1 through June 12, Floridians can save while preparing themselves for the 2007 Hurricane Season. Florida's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Exemption will allow individuals and families an opportunity to purchase certain disaster preparedness supplies without paying sales tax or discretionary sales surtax (also known as a local option sales tax) for the period beginning 12:01 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2007, and ending at midnight, Thursday, June 12, 2007.

On the First Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a WATER CONTAINER. Having an ample supply of clean water – one gallon per person per day – is a priority in an emergency.

On the Second Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a NOAA WEATHER RADIO. As the voice of the National Weather Service, a Weather Radio provides continuous broadcasts of the latest weather information directly from a National Weather Services Forecast Office. During severe weather routine broadcasting is interrupted and special watch and warning messages are issued.

On the Third Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a FIRE EXTINGUISHER. Install A-B-C type Fire Extinguishers in the home and teach all household members how to use them.

On the Fourth Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase PLASTIC SHEETING, a vital part of a Family Disaster Supplies Kit. Plastic sheeting helps keep important items dry and protected as well as being useful to discard waste.

On the Fifth Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a supply of CANNED FOOD. Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires little or no water for preparation.

On the Sixth Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a GENERATOR. A generator can be a convenient source of power after a hurricane strikes. Generators should be properly installed and used safely.

On the Seventh Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a FLASHLIGHT. As simple as a Flashlight is, it can become a very important tool during and after disaster strikes. Every Family Disaster Supplies Kit should contain a Flashlight and spare batteries. Candles should be avoided as they can cause fires.

On the Eighth Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a complete FAMILY DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT. A family will cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Family Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop and search for supplies.

On the Ninth Day of Hurricane Preparedness, the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a SLEEPING BAG. If you have to evacuate your home, a sleeping bag will provide you with extra comfort when you arrive at an American Red Cross shelter.

On the Tenth Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase a FIRST AID KIT. Because the first five minutes of a medical emergency are critical every individual and family should have a First Aid Kit in their home and vehicle and on their boat.

On the Eleventh Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase needed supplies to install HURRICANE SHUTTERS on every window of the home. Installing hurricane shutters on all windows of a home will help to mitigate the damage due to a storm’s severe winds.

On the Twelfth Day of Hurricane Preparedness the American Red Cross recommends that you purchase DUCT TAPE. Duct tape, useful to affix or repair materials, is one of the many items that should be in a Family Disaster Supplies Kit.

For more information on the Twelve Days of Hurricane Preparedness, visit www.floridapreparesnow.org, or contact your local American Red Cross in Polk County at (863) 294-5941 or polkcofl@polkredcross.org; or in Highlands County at (863) 386-4440 or hcarc@vistanet.net.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Your help is needed to ensure that the American Red Cross can be there wherever and whenever disaster strikes. To help victims of disasters call your local Red Cross Chapter at (863) 294-5941 or 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-257-7575 para Espanol). Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at 147 Avenue A, NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881-4501 or by calling (863) 294-5941. In Highlands County, send contributions to the local office at 106 Medical Center Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, or call (863) 386-4440.