Florida Hurricane Information

A very comprehensive list of items you need to keep to survive in the hurricane season, Do's and Dont's
during the season, and well educated material you need to know at times.

Survival Kit.
Before the Storm.
During the Storm.
After the Storm.
Things you should know.

Survival Kit

This hurricane survival kit contains nearly everything you need to get through the storm. You can store most of these items in a large plastic container. Be sure to have everything together and with you when the storm hits. The food in your pantry is of no use if your pantry is gone when the winds calm down!

Important documents, Insurance papers

Cash

Bottled water (5-7 gallons per person)

Canned vegetables, juice, fruit and meat

Hand-operated can opener

Instant foods, coffee, tea, and milk

Dry cereal

Baby food and diapers

Plastic cups, plates, and silverware

Paper towels

Heavy duty garbage bags

Flashlights

Portable AM/FM radio

NOAA Weather radio

Extra batteries

Extra clothing

Wet weather gear / ponchos

Bleach

Sunscreen

First aid supplies

Extra prescription medicine

Aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine

Scissors

Tweezers

Rubbing Alcohol

Personal hygiene products

Latex gloves, 2 pair

Insect repellent

Spare set of house and car keys

Heavy rope

Tarp or rolls of plastic

Duct tape

Bungee cords

Pliers and vice grips

Hammer and nails

Heavy work gloves

Disposable dust masks

Cards, books and small games

Video camera and video tape

Camera with extra film

Camping or utility knife

Propane gas

Charcoal and lighter fluid

Grill

Generator with extra fuel

Chain saw with extra chains and fuel

Extra lumber

Liquid hand soap

Before the Storm

When a Hurricane Watch is Issued:

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.

Clear your yard of potential flying debris, including lawn furniture, toys, trash cans, etc.

Prepare your swimming pool, by lowering the water level by one foot, to accommodate heavy rains.

Board up windows and other openings of your home with at least 5/8” thick plywood.

Gas up your car and check the tires and fluids.

Get extra cash. Banks and ATM’s will not function if power is lost.

Anchor small boats or move them to a safe place.

Locate utility cut-off valves. If you are evacuating, turn them off.

Store plenty of water.

Turn your refrigerator to the coldest settings. Freeze plastic soda bottles with water.

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued:

A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in less than 24 hours.

Shutter and brace windows and doors immediately.

Secure boats.

Gather important documents, including insurance papers, phone numbers and ID.

If you are ordered to evacuate, do so quickly.

If You Stay Home:

Designate a safe room in your home. It should be an interior room with no windows on the lowest level. Often a bathroom or large closet will be the best place to stay.

Make sure you have your supply kit stocked ready and stored in your designated safe area.

Keep your family in one location.

Turn off your water at the main valve leading into your home. If public water or wells become contaminated, the water in your pipes and water heater will still be safe to drink.

If You Evacuate:

Take all of your family’s important documents with you.

Take your hurricane survival kit with you

Notify friends and relatives of your plans.

Turn off your utilities and seal your home as tightly as possible.

Leave as quickly as possible

If you are headed for a shelter, make sure it is open before leaving your home.

During the Storm

Stay indoors at all times.

Stay away from windows, even if they are shuttered.

Listen to NBC2 for the latest information on the storm.

If the eye of the hurricane passes right over you, it will become relatively calm. Stay inside! The other half of the storm will return at any minute. Do not go out until the “all clear” is given.

After the Storm

Stay informed by listening to NBC2 or your NOAA Weather Radio. Begin to move about very carefully and survey your situation. More people are killed and injured during the clean up after a hurricane than during the storm itself.

If you have evacuated, do not attempt to return home until officials announce that it is safe. Do not eat any food in damaged containers or in containers that have come in contact with flood waters.

Do not use public water for cooking or drinking until you are notified it is safe.

Avoid traveling if at all possible. Roads may be damaged, washed out, or littered with debris.

If phones are working, use them only for emergencies.

Do not stay in structures that are severely damaged or in danger of collapsing.

Notify your insurance agent. Things will go more smoothly if you have documentation, pictures and/or video to support your claims.

Things you should know

If at Home....

Continue to listen to the radio or television for storm advisories and emergency data.

Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.

Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid using candles or kerosene lamps as a source of light.

Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.

If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.

If in a Boat....

Head to the nearest safe location.

Listen to EAS radio station or marine radio.

Moor boats securely or move to a designated safe place.

Return home or proceed inland 20 to 50 miles.