As Floridians, we’ve faced storms before, and we know the power of being ready. Now’s the time to take action, not just prepare. As Florida enters the 2025 Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, it's crucial for everyone to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and loved ones. 

Here are smart, simple tips from our partners at the Division of Emergency Management to help you get your family storm-ready with confidence. 

And if disaster strikes, know this: Feeding Florida and your local food bank are already geared up to deliver food, water, and essential support when it’s needed most. Let’s do this — together.

1. Make a Family Emergency Plan

Every household should have a disaster plan tailored to the needs of all family members, including children, pets, and seniors. Key components of the plan should include:

• Communication: Determine how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings.
• Shelter, evacuate, or stay? Decide whether your family will shelter in place, evacuate, or stay elsewhere—and create a plan for each scenario.
• Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of important phone numbers, including local emergency services, family members, and neighbors. Ensure everyone has a copy of this list.
• Pet Care Plan: If you have pets, include them in your emergency plan.
• Power Backup: Fully charge electronic devices and portable power banks. Consider a generator for prolonged outages, ensuring it’s used safely and in a well-ventilated area.
• Meeting Points: Identify safe locations where your family can reunite if separated, both within and outside your local area.

2. Build or Restock Your Disaster Supply Kit

A well-stocked disaster supply kit is essential to ensure you and your family have the necessary items during and after a hurricane. FDEM recommends having enough supplies to last at least seven days. Essential items include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Medications and medical supplies
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
• First-aid kit
• Cash and credit cards
• Personal hygiene items
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members 

3. Secure Your Home

Taking steps to reinforce your home can minimize damage during a hurricane:

• Inspect and Repair: Check your roof, windows, and doors for vulnerabilities. Make necessary repairs to prevent leaks or structural damage.
• Board Up Windows: Install storm shutters or secure plywood over windows and glass doors to protect against flying debris.
• Reinforce Garage Doors: Ensure your garage door is hurricane-rated or use bracing kits to reinforce it. Garage doors are particularly susceptible to high winds.
• Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, decorations, trash cans, and other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead branches or unstable trees near your home to reduce the risk of falling limbs during the storm.
• Elevate Valuables: Move important belongings and appliances to higher levels of your home to protect them from potential flooding.

4. Prepare Your Vehicle

Ensure your vehicle is ready for potential evacuation:

• Fuel Up: Keep your gas tank at least half full during hurricane season to avoid fuel shortages.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Check tire pressure, oil levels, and ensure your vehicle is in good working condition.
• Emergency Kit: Keep a small emergency kit in your vehicle, including water, snacks, flashlight, and first-aid supplies. 

5. Stay Informed

Information is key to having the best reaction time during a disaster. There are some key pieces of information you should have or know where to find in case of a hurricane. 

• Know Your Zone! It’s important to know if you are in an evacuation zone and the safest routes out of the area. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to find out if you live in a flood zone. Practice these evacuation routes with your family to ensure everyone is familiar with them.
• Follow Evacuation Orders: Follow all evacuation orders from local officials promptly. The timing of evacuation is precarious and families cannot afford to wait. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to find your evacuation zone. 
• Weather Radio: Have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to receive updates during power outages.
• Monitor News: Follow local news stations and official social media accounts for real-time information. Feeding Florida’s social media accounts will also keep you informed about local food distribution.
• Identify Shelters: If you are in an area expecting high winds or floods, your county emergency operations center will be opening shelters. Identify the closest shelters to you, as well as what is permitted at particular shelters (like pets or food) and what you should bring (like bedding or snacks). 
• Follow Your Local Food Bank: All 9 Feeding Florida food banks are staged with MREs, water, and food boxes to help with hurricane relief immediately after a storm. Find which is your local food bank by checking here, and follow them on social media. If a storm comes through and you need food or resources, you can check on their website and socials for distribution locations and times.

6. Help Your Neighbors

Community support is vital during emergencies:

• Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Assist elderly, disabled, or isolated neighbors who may need help preparing for the storm.
• Share Resources: Coordinate with neighbors to share supplies or tools if necessary.
• Community Plan: Collaborate on evacuation or shelter strategies if local resources are limited. 

Stay Connected

For more information and updates, visit FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare and follow FDEM on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X for weather updates and preparedness tips.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that you and your family are prepared for the challenges of the hurricane season. Preparation isn’t just smart—it’s essential to staying safe.