If you have been in Florida as long as we have, you know that hurricanes are no joke. Most recent years’ damage from these storms have been delivered by the likes of Katrina, Wilma and Charlie. Does anyone remember that monster Andrew? The creep from 1992? Now that we are in the throws of hurricane season, Queen of PAWNS is here to help you be prepared. Once the news hits that a storm is on the way, it is already a little late to build your hurricane kit. The Queen has made a short list of things to look for at any of her 5 Florida locations that will be very useful, if not necessary for the next time we are issued that dreaded hurricane warning.

Power drill - We have just about any kind of hand drill that you can imagine. These will be much needed before and after with boarding up a house or business.

Table saw - If you haven’t had a chance to get custom shutters for your doors and windows, you can cut plywood to size with one of these babies.

Generator - Run appliances and charge up electronics once the power has gone out with a generator. Don’t forget to get some gasoline ahead of the storm.

Grill - To use when the stove top is not an option (or for the hurricane party). Again, have the appropriate fuel ready.

Bicycles - Skip the several hour wait to get gasoline after the storm and whiz past the gas station on your bicycle! This is a great time to get one if you haven’t already.

Shop Vac - Just in case water does creep in to places where we wish it didn’t.

Chainsaw - Often necessary for clean up in the yard or to get that fallen tree out of a very inconvenient spot.

Electronics - Such as iPods, portable dvd players and phones. Often, cell phone towers work just fine after storms. Stay connected with family and sane with some entertainment (especially for the kids). Don’t forget to also get car chargers as sometimes that is the only place to charge up your devices. Be careful though and don’t drain your car battery!

Surfboards - Not that a hurricane is a good time to take up surfing, nor does the Queen recommend any surfing at that time, but some of the best swells appear on the coast just before a storm. That said, we also occasionally have surfboards in our inventory - in case that’s how you prefer to prepare for the next hurricane.

Be safe, be smart. Prepare ahead of time for the next hurricane and get as much of your kit as possible from Queen of PAWNS.