Word to the wise: Get ready now.

Start stocking up for hurricane season soon. Residents might want to stock up a little bit at a time.

Before evacuating, people should wait for their local Emergency Management agencies in conjunction with the American Red Cross to tell them which shelters will be open.

Here's what's needed, according to emergency management officials in Southwest Florida:

• nonperishable food such as canned meats, canned soups, dried fruits, cereal, crackers, cookies, coffee, tea, peanut butter and jelly, pudding, prepared foods and pet food

• medicine, including prescriptions

• baby supplies

• first aid kit

• battery-operated TV or radio

• spare batteries

• drinking water, a gallon per person per day

• blankets, pillows, sleeping bags or lawn chairs

• flashlights; waterproof matches

• toilet paper

• cash

• sunscreen

• bleach or water purification tablets

• soap and detergent

• rain gear

• charcoal and lighter fluid

• disposable plates, glasses and utensils

• road maps

• children's activities

• an ice chest and ice

• put valuable papers in waterproof bags or containers, or in a safe deposit box