Hurricane season in the Atlantic officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring from mid-August through mid-October. While the season is still weeks away, Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 3–9) is the perfect time to take action. Preparing early can protect your family, home, and pets when a storm threatens.
Follow the Road to Hurricane Preparedness with these essential tips to get ready now.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
1. Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
Understanding your specific risks is the foundation of smart preparation.
- Determine your evacuation zone using local county resources or Florida’s official tools.
- Assess your home’s vulnerability to flooding, storm surge, and strong winds.
- Know whether you live in a high-risk area and what that means for potential evacuation or sheltering in place.
Taking time to map your risks helps you make faster, better decisions when watches and warnings are issued.
2. Make a Plan
A family emergency plan can reduce panic and save lives during a storm.
- Include all household members and pets in your plan.
- Identify evacuation routes and nearby shelter options.
- Discuss responsibilities and communication methods in case cell service is disrupted.
- Plan for special needs, such as medical equipment or elderly family members.
Review and practice your plan together so everyone knows what to do.
3. Stay Informed
Reliable information is critical when conditions change quickly.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts, county notifications, and the National Weather Service.
- Have multiple ways to receive updates: battery-powered radio, smartphone apps, and backup chargers.
- Follow trusted sources like local news stations and official government accounts.
Don’t rely on a single source—power and cell service can fail.
4. Build a Disaster Kit
Having supplies ready means you won’t be scrambling at the last minute.
Stock at least 7 days of:
- Food (non-perishable items that don’t require cooking)
- Water (one gallon per person and pet per day)
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- Flashlights, batteries, cash, important documents, and hygiene items
- Pet food, carriers, and comfort items for animals
Store your kit in an easy-to-grab location and check expiration dates annually.
5. Halfway Full is Halfway There
Fuel can become scarce quickly as a storm approaches.
- Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank at least half full throughout hurricane season.
- This habit ensures you can evacuate or run essential errands without worrying about gas lines.
6. Evacuate Smart
If an evacuation order is issued, follow it promptly but intelligently.
- Travel tens of miles, not hundreds, to reach safety.
- Congested highways and long-distance travel can create unnecessary risk.
- Have a destination in mind—whether a friend’s home, hotel, or public shelter.
7. Stay Safe During & After the Storm
Safety doesn’t end when the wind stops.
- Remain indoors during the storm, away from windows.
- After the storm passes, avoid floodwaters (which can be contaminated or electrified) and downed power lines.
- Use caution when operating generators and cleaning up debris.
Summary
Take Action During Hurricane Preparedness Week
The steps you take this week can make a significant difference when a hurricane approaches. Don’t wait until a storm is on the horizon—prepare early and stay safe.
Start today by checking your evacuation zone, reviewing your family plan, and building or restocking your disaster kit. Small actions now lead to greater peace of mind later.
Stay prepared, stay informed, and protect what matters most.
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