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Hurricane Preparedness

Preparing for the 2023 Hurricane Season

Atlantic Hurricane Season June 1-November 30
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. They bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge (rise in water level), flooding, and tornadoes. These storms are dangerous and can cause damage to places far inland.
As Floridians, we are all too familiar with the destructive power of these storms. Begin preparing your family by reviewing the steps you should take before, during, and after a storm. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Floridians are encouraged to have at least seven days of supplies. By creating an emergency plan and gathering items for a supply kit, you can be more prepared.
Post any of these checklists in a central place in your home where it is visible and accessible by all of your family members.
For Hurricane Ian and Tropical Storm Nicole Recovery Assistance, click here.

What Should You Do Before a Hurricane?

Make plans to stay safe.

 

Plan to Evacuate

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately and go to a safe place.
  • Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Know Your Evacuation Zone
  • Plan well in advance if you will need help leaving or using public transportation.
  • Mobile/manufactured/trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) cannot provide safe shelter from tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds.

Plan to Shelter Safely

  • Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for a long time.
  • Practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not likely to flood.
  • If you are in an area that is likely to flood, designate a location on higher ground that you can move to before floodwaters reach you.

Plan to Stay Connected

  • Sign up for free emergency alerts from local, state, and federal government.
    • For FEMA alerts, sign up here. The FEMA App allows you to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more.
    • To learn how to receive emergency alerts and other public safety notifications in your community, click here: AlertFlorida-Statewide Notification Initiative
    • For Miami-Dade County Emergency alerts, click here.
    • For Collier County Emergency alerts, click here.
      • If you would like to sign up for emergency-ONLY text messages, text COLLIERFL to 888777. Please note that this does NOT sign you up for Collier County's automated weather alert services.
  • Plan to monitor local weather and news.
  • Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
  • Have a battery-powered radio during a power outage.
  • Understand the types of alerts that you may receive and have a plan to respond when you receive them.
    • A WATCH means Be Prepared!
    • A WARNING means Take Action!
  • Alerts you may receive include Hurricane Watch & Warning, Tropical Storm Watch & Warning, Extreme Wind Warning, Storm Surge Watch & Warning, Flash Flood Watch & Warning, and Flood Watch & Warning.

Learn Emergency Skills

  • Learn First Aid and CPR
  • Be ready to live without power. Utilities may be offline. Plan for your electrical needs, including cell phones and medical equipment. Talk to your doctor. Plan for backup power.

Protect Your Home

Wind

  • Secure or bring inside outdoor items, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, that could be picked up by high winds and hurt someone.
  • Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks.
  • Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home.
  • Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or sheeting

Flood

  • Clean out drains, gutters, and downspouts.
  • Stockpile protective materials such as plastic sheeting and sandbags.
  • Consider installing a sump pump with battery backup.
  • Consider elevating the heating system, water heater, and electric panel.
  • Review insurance policies with your agency.

What to do During a Hurricane?

If local authorities advise you to evacuate, go right away.

Determine your best protection against high winds and flooding.

  • Take shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
  • Stay away from glass windows and doors.
  • Move to higher ground before flooding begins.

Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.

What to do after a Hurricane?

Stay Safe

  • Wait for officials to say it is safe before going back home.
  • Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and drowned wires. They can electrocute you.
  • Do not touch floodwaters because they may contain sewage, bacteria, and chemicals that can make you ill.
  • If power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risk.
  • Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
    • Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper - or even outside near an open window.
    • Carbon monoxide can't be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get fresh air right away - do not delay.

Stay Healthy

  • When in doubt, throw it out! Throw out food that got wet or warm.
  • Ask your healthcare provider or doctor about refrigerated medicines.
  • Hurricanes and flooding can make drinking water unsafe.
    • Monitor your local health department for information about drinking water safely.

Cleanup Safely

  • Wear appropriate protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and boots.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
  • When cleaning heavy debris, work with a partner.
  • Make sure that you have proper training before using equipment such as chainsaws.
  • Cleaning up is a big job. Be mindful of overworking and take breaks.

Government Contacts:

Federal and State:
For Additional Resources and Information: