A Comprehensive Guide for Florida Residents

Hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30.  It's a time when residents and visitors in communities along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico must be ready for potential storms that can bring high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and power outages. Proper preparation can protect your family, home, and peace of mind. This guide offers information you need to know to stay safe and resilient during hurricane season.

Understand the Risks

The geography of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts makes these regions especially vulnerable to hurricanes. Coastal communities from the southern tip of Florida to the shores of Texas, and up the Atlantic Seaboard to the Northeast, face the threat of storm surges—rising seawater pushed inland by powerful winds. Even inland areas are not immune, often experiencing dangerous flooding from heavy rainfall. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida alone has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state, with over 120 direct strikes since 1851. Recent storms such as Hurricanes Ian (2022) and Helene (2024) have highlighted the critical need for preparation, causing widespread destruction and upending lives across multiple states.

Every part of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts is at risk—from barrier islands and low-lying bayous to major cities and rural inland communities.

Know your area’s specific vulnerabilities:

• Evacuation Zones: Check your county’s evacuation zone map (available on county websites). Coastal and low-lying areas are often first to evacuate.
• Flood Zones: Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to see if your property is prone to flooding.
• Wind Risks: Older homes or mobile homes may not withstand hurricane-force winds. Confirm your home meets current building codes.

Build a Hurricane Preparedness Plan

A well-thought-out plan is your first line of defense. Here’s how to create one:

1. Know Your Evacuation Routes
   Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and destinations.  Plan multiple routes in case roads are congested or blocked.
2. Create a Communication Plan
   Storms can disrupt cell service, so designate an out-of-state contact to relay messages. Share a written plan with family members listing emergency numbers, meeting points, and key contacts like local emergency management offices. Texting often works better than calls during network congestion.
3. Assemble an Emergency Kit
   Build a kit to sustain your household for at least 72 hours, ideally a week. Essentials include:
• Water: One gallon per person per day (minimum three days).
• Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruit. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
• Medical Supplies: Prescriptions, first-aid kit, glasses, or contact lenses.
• Power: Flashlights, extra batteries, portable chargers, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and bank information in a waterproof container.
• Other: Blankets, clothing, hygiene items, pet supplies, and activities for kids.

Store your kit in an accessible, portable container. Check it annually to replace expired items.

4. Plan for Pets and Special Needs
   Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance (many shelters don’t accept animals). Ensure pets have ID tags and up-to-date vaccinations. For those with disabilities or medical needs, contact your county’s special needs registry for assistance during evacuations.

Protect Your Property

Hurricanes can cause devastating damage to homes. Take these steps to minimize risks:

• Strengthen Your Home
  Install hurricane shutters or board windows with 5/8-inch plywood. Reinforce garage doors and secure loose items like patio furniture or grills. Trim trees and remove weak branches to prevent them from becoming projectiles. If your home is older, consider retrofitting with hurricane straps or clips to anchor the roof.
• Review Insurance Coverage
  Standard homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer—note that policies often have a 30-day waiting period. Ensure your hurricane/windstorm coverage is adequate, especially in high-risk areas. Document your possessions with photos or video for claims.
• Prepare for Power Outages
  Invest in a portable generator (use it outdoors only to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning). Stock up on batteries, candles, and lanterns. Freeze water in plastic containers to keep food cold if power fails. Charge devices and backup batteries before the storm hits.

Stay Informed

Knowledge is power during hurricane season. Monitor these sources:

• National Hurricane Center (NHC): Provides storm updates, forecasts, and warnings at hurricanes.gov.
• Local News: Follow TV, radio, or apps like NOAA Weather Radio for real-time alerts.
• Emergency Alerts: Sign up for your county’s alert system (e.g., AlertMiami for Miami-Dade or CodeRED for Lee County).
• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) offer updates from meteorologists and emergency officials, but verify information to avoid rumors.

Understand key terms:

• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions possible within 48 hours. Prepare and monitor updates.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions expected within 36 hours. Evacuate if ordered or finalize preparations..
• Tornado Watch:  Conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and near the designated area
• Tornado Warning: A public alert issued by weather forecasting agencies, like the National Weather Service, when a tornado has been sighted by spotters or indicated by weather radar

During the Storm

If you stay home:

• Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors.
• Monitor updates via radio or phone (conserve battery life).
• Avoid using candles to prevent fires; use flashlights instead.
• If flooding occurs, move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.

If you evacuate:

• Leave early to avoid traffic and road hazards.
• Follow official routes and bring your emergency kit.
• Inform family or friends of your destination.

After the Storm

Recovery begins once the storm passes, but dangers remain:

• Stay Safe: Avoid downed power lines, flooded areas, and damaged structures. Use generators outdoors only.
• Assess Damage: Document damage with photos for insurance claims. Contact your insurer promptly.
• Seek Assistance: Contact FEMA (disasterassistance.gov) or local agencies for aid.
• Clean Up Carefully: Wear protective gear when handling debris. Check food and water for contamination.

Community Preparedness

Hurricanes affect entire neighborhoods, so collaboration is key. Join or start a community preparedness group to share resources, check on vulnerable neighbors, or organize post-storm cleanups.