⛈️ Hurricane Preparations & Helpful Websites [2024]

When you live in Florida, you understand that hurricanes can be a part of life. It helps to know how you can best prepare to keep your property and household safe. Here are some basic steps you can take to be better prepared for the coming storm.

Roads may be closed due to downed power lines and trees. Don’t wait until the last minute to leave a dangerous area and take evacuation notices seriously. Have sufficient supplies on hand so that you don’t need to leave your home until it’s safe to travel again.

Cell phone service could be interrupted due to the impact of high winds on towers. Even if cell phone service is working, you may be without electricity. Have chargers on hand that do not require electricity. Keep a list of contact numbers in your wallet in case you need to reach someone and your cell phone’s contact list is unavailable.

Plan for electric service, cable, and internet to be out. Purchase battery-powered, flameless candles, flashlights, and hurricane lights that are pre-charged. Stay away from downed power lines and take care when walking through standing water.

It’s heartbreaking to see pets placed in danger when they are left outside with no chance to get away from rising water and dangerous winds. Make plans to secure your pets in a safe location. Keep in mind that this placement may be needed for several days or weeks after the hurricane.

Don’t forget to allocate food and water for pets when storing supplies. Make sure pets have collars with tags that include their name and contact information.

You also want to have a Ready to Go Bag that includes an additional collar, vaccination paperwork, medications, a photo of you and your pet, a favorite blanket or toy, and bowls for food and water. Add portable food and water to be prepared for emergencies.

📻 Have a battery-powered radio that is tuned to a station that provides regular weather updates. In the event of a power outage, you’ll be glad you have this radio to stay informed.

👚 Watching the weather as the storm approaches? Do some laundry. Having the laundry done can be an incredible help if services are interrupted.

🚗 Don’t forget to fill the car with gas, check the oil, and check tire pressure. There can be a run on gas stations for fuel when storms are announced. Go early and be patient.

Water is necessary for survival. Plan to have at least a five day supply of water that includes a gallon per person in your household. If there are 5 people in your household, you will want to have a minimum of 25 gallons of water.

Suggested Canned Foods

• Juice
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Beans
• Ready-to-Eat Meats
• Pasta

Other Food Items

• Dry Cereal
• Peanut Butter
• Bread
• Crackers
• Baby Food
• Dry Milk

It’s easy to overlook some things until you need them and they are not on hand. Having the following supplies can make things more comfortable while you’re waiting for services to be restored.

Tools Box Items

• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Electrical Tape
• Nails & Screws
• Pliers
• Utility Knife
• Gloves
• Duct Tape
• Rope
• Tarps

Additional Supplies

• Mosquito Repellant
• Sealable Bags
• Matches (water-proof)
• Paper Plates
• Plastic Forks & Spoons
• Cups
• Rain Gear
• Grill
• Charcoal
• Lighter Fluid

First Aid Supplies

• Band-Aids
• Bandages
• Antibiotic Cream
• Hand Sanitizer
• Medications
• Bleach
• Gloves

Sanitation Supplies

• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels
• Garbage Bags
• Personal Wet Wipes
• Disinfecting Cleaning Wipes
• Diapers & Baby Wipes
• Personal Hygiene Products

Even with the best planning, you may need to leave the area quickly. Have a Ready to Go Bag packed as part of your hurricane preparations.

Suggested Items

• Non-perishable Food
• Contact Numbers
• Cash
• Medications
• Proof of Identity Documents
• First-Aid Kit

Listen to reports and take evacuation notices seriously. Remember that each hurricane is different. While you may have come through the last one just fine, there’s no guarantee that this hurricane will be the same.

The best plan includes an evacuation route that is mapped out well ahead of time. Know which roads you’ll take and where you’ll stop along the way to your destination. Take along documents that prove your address in case it’s needed.

Long before a hurricane warning is issued, you should understand your homeowners’ insurance policy when it comes to hurricane damages. Have copies of your insurance policy in water-proof bags.

There are many helpful websites with information and guidance.  The State of Florida, local governments, and utility companies have information to help during hurricane preparations.

• FloridaDisaster.org
• SCGov.net
• FPL.com