Pool owners need to prepare swimming pools in the event a tropical cyclone threatens the area.

It’s hurricane season and time to get your preparedness supplies and a generator may be on your list. When the power’s out, a generator can allow you to sit back with some of the comforts of normalcy.

Last week with the help of one of our local Ace Hardware Stores we discussed preparing your generator for the off season. This week we take a look at your Hurricane Supply Kit.

At the beginning of the season, with the help of our local Ace Hardware stores, we showed you how to get your portable generator ready for action. With a little over a month to go, hopes are high that the next time you move your portable generator it will be to prepare it for winter. The basics here are preparing the fuel for storage or removing the fuel from your generator. Some can protect the fuel for up to 24 months depending on how and where your portable generator is stored. Stop by your local Ace Hardware stores for more tips on protecting your portable generator and storage questions.

Trimming weak or diseased trees before hurricane season is a good idea to prevent large trees from causing harm to buildings or people -- but only if they are done correctly. The popularity of the hurricane cut on palm trees is unnecessary and actually hurts the tree. In fact, just look at these pictures of palms that held up better in Hurricane Wilma. It wasn’t those hurricane cut trees. These dead fronds are not detrimental to the health of the tree.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A hurricane supply kit can help you through a difficult situation after a storm hits. It is important to have the proper tools and supplies to make clean up easier and safer. Many hurricane fatalities happen post-storm during the clean up process with chainsaws or electrocution. Thoroughly clean these areas with hot water and laundry or dish detergent. Save a gallon of water mixed with 1 cup bleach to clean up everything with mold.

A stockpile of batteries are a must have in your hurricane preparedness kit and ACE Hardware has many types to keep you powered up. How long will the batteries last in your flashlight? Estimates are not very precise but AA batteries typically last 2-3 times longer than AAA. The batteries that come with your flashlight typically dont last as long as an Alkaline or NiMH battery. Rechargeable batteries are not best since power may be out for days after a storm blows through.

When’s the last time you fired up that generator? If it’s been awhile, now’s a good time as any for a refresher to make sure you’re doing it safely.

There are some items that could help you in the event of an evacuation.

you might have seen the information for Flex Tape. From the paint products to the adhesive tape, I have used almost all of the Flex Seal product line. I removed the rusted nail, cleaned the opening and applied the Flex paint with a cheap paint brush. The Flex Tape is another great product if you need to seal an opening such as windows or doors. Your local Ace Hardware has Flex Seal and other products, so if water damage is a concern around your home, now’s a good time as any to stock up.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Putting together a hurricane preparedness kit for children can be helpful during the long hours waiting out a storm. Better yet, let the children put together an emergency kit themselves that can cover three days. Games, snacks, toys and books are part of the plan to engage children and reduce stress. Long hours without power can be a challenging time for children who are used to occupying themselves with digital conveniences such as tablets, smartphones and apps. Make sure electronic devices have backup battery power supplies incorporated into the preparedness kit.

Picking up the pieces after a storm blows through involves cutting back fallen trees or reducing limbs to clear a path to recovery. All rights reserved)Before tackling the job, ensure you wear the proper chainsaw safety apparel and be sure to know how the safety features on the equipment function. Make sure to acquire the necessary supplies before the storm, like first aid kits, extra fuel and oil. Typically the heavier saws are bigger with more horsepower to cut through larger trees. Smaller saws are easier to handle and may require less maintenance, or oil, for example with electric chainsaws.

Are you all stocked up for hurricane season? Here are the supplies you can save on at your neighborhood Ace Hardware store, plus a list of non-emergency resource providers.