Your Ultimate Hurricane Season Survival Guide: Be Proactive and Prepared

As the winds of hurricane season blow across South Florida from June 1 through November 30, preparedness becomes not just a necessity but a community responsibility. Hurricane season in South Florida brings the potential for powerful storms, flooding, and extended power outages. Whether you're a seasoned resident or new to the Sunshine State, early and comprehensive preparation can help you stay safe, reduce stress, and protect your family, pets, and property. Our expert guide offers essential hurricane tips and preparedness advice, from protecting your home and car to packing a go-bag, planning for pets, and staying informed.

Essential Hurricane Preparation Tips

Step 1: Make a Hurricane Emergency Plan

Plan ahead before a storm is even named.

• Know your evacuation zone and routes: Check your official zone designation and understand when you'd be asked to leave. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes.
• Create a family communication plan in case you're separated, identifying a meeting place and an out-of-town emergency contact. Share your plan with trusted individuals.

Review insurance coverage: Ensure your home, flood, and renters insurance policies are up to date. Take photos of valuables and store them with your documents in both physical and digital formats.

Step 2: Prepare Your Home

Strengthen your home, your first line of defense:

• Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood for all windows and glass doors.
• Secure outdoor furniture and items like grills, trash bins, and potted plants.
• Trim trees and clean gutters to prevent structural damage and flooding.
• Move electronics, important documents, and valuables to higher areas in case of flooding. Consider installing a sump pump or using sandbags to redirect floodwaters.

Step 3: Build Your Hurricane Supply Kit

Stock up on essentials before any watches or warnings:

• Water (one gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days)
• Non-perishable food items (canned goods, peanut butter, protein bars)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First-aid kit and prescription medications
• Hygiene products
• Power banks or solar chargers for phones
• Copies of IDs and insurance in a waterproof container
• Cash in small bills

Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle

Ensure your car is ready for evacuation:

• Fill your gas tank well in advance.
• Check tires, brakes, windshield wipers, and fluid levels.
• Keep an emergency kit, including jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, and a flashlight.

Step 5: Pet Safety During a Hurricane

If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets. Prepare a pet emergency kit with food and water (for at least 3 days), a leash, collar with ID tags, crate, medications, and vaccination records.

Step 6: Plan for Flooding and Evacuation

Be proactive, especially in flood zones:

• Use sandbags or water barriers to protect low areas.
• Elevate furniture, electronics, and valuables.
• Store documents in waterproof containers.
• Pack a go-bag with clothing, toiletries, medications, snacks, and important records.

Step 7: Preparing for Shelter Evacuation

Even if you plan to ride out the storm at home, serious damage or prolonged power outages may make it necessary to relocate to a shelter. Being prepared ahead of time will make the transition smoother and less stressful.

• Shelters Open in Phases: Some shelters open before a storm for residents in vulnerable housing. Others open after a storm for those dealing with damage or extended outages.
• Pets Are Welcome — But Bring Supplies: Most shelters accommodate pets, but you must bring your own crate, leash, food, water bowls, medications, and vaccination records. While limited supplies may be available, bringing your own ensures your pet’s comfort and care.
• Bring Your Own Food and Water (If Possible): Shelters provide basic meals and water, but packing additional supplies for your family can reduce stress and help ensure you have what you need.
• What Shelters Provide: Basic necessities such as food, water, bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities will be available. Keep in mind, these are meant for safety and function — not comfort.
• Comfort Items: Cots and bedding may be offered, but it’s best to bring your own pillows, blankets, and personal comfort items when possible.

Planning ahead ensures you and your loved ones — including pets — are safe and supported. Even if you’ve never been in a shelter before, understanding what to expect can make all the difference.

Step 8: Check on Neighbors and Your Community

Hurricanes are easier to face with community support:

• Talk to neighbors, particularly the elderly or disabled, to share resources and plans.
• Offer help with securing homes or preparing emergency kits.

Step 9: Stay Informed and Connected

Accurate, timely information is critical:

• Sign up for local alerts at AlertFlorida.
• Follow trusted sources like NOAA and your county’s emergency management office.
• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand in case of power and internet loss.

South Florida residents know that it's not a matter of if a storm will hit—it's when. The more you prepare now, the less you'll have to scramble later. Use this guide as a checklist, revisit it annually, and share it with your neighbors and loved ones