Hurricane Preparedness
As Floridians, we know that preparedness saves lives. As the 2025 hurricane season begins on June 1st, the time for Florida families and businesses to make a plan is TODAY.
Now is a great opportunity for your family to stock your disaster supply kits with vital supplies like a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, batteries and other necessities. Your kit should also include 7 days’ worth of food and water, prescription medications, and any important documents.
You can find resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan HERE.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare your family and business for this upcoming season:
Before a Storm
- Prepare an evacuation plan & make sure everyone in your home knows the plan.
- Stock up on emergency supplies, including:
- Water – You will need water for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes. Pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days.
- Food – You will need enough food for a minimum of 7 days:
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
- Manual can opener
- Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (i.e., infants, elderly, etc.)
- Snack foods
- Cooking tools and fuel
- Paper plates and plastic utensils
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags
- Clothing – Include a complete change of clothes suitable for your area’s climate. Be sure to include sturdy shoes to protect you from debris or other sharp objects you may encounter outdoors post-storm
- First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines
- Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Toiletries
- Cleaning Supplies – Include garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items you may need to sanitize your home or surrounding post-disaster
- Special Items – Assess all family members’ needs. Consider other items needed for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs (i.e., medical items, baby bottles, etc.)
- Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important Documents – Consider storing all critical documents in a waterproof container, as well as saving them electronically. These items can include, but are not limited to, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Tools
- Pet Care Items
- Proper identification/ immunization records
- Ample supply of food and water
- Carrier or cage
- Medications
- Muzzle and leash
- Photo of you and your pet(s) – in the event that you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership
- If you have been told to evacuate, EVACUATE. Don’t stay behind. We can rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life.
During a Storm
- Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials.
- Stay away from windows and seek shelter.
After a Storm
- If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so.
- Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
- Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.