When it comes to hurricanes, preparation is everything. In Florida, it’s not a question of if a storm will come, it’s when. That’s why creating a solid family emergency plan and having a fully stocked hurricane prep kit can make all the difference in staying safe, minimizing chaos, and recovering faster.
Whether you’re a long-time Floridian or new to the coast, here is your updated 2025 guide to getting ready before the next storm is on the radar.
Step 1: Build Your Family Emergency Plan
A family emergency plan is more than just a checklist. It’s a roadmap that helps keep your household safe and connected when the power is out, roads are closed, and cell service is unreliable.
Here’s what your plan should include:
Know Your Evacuation Zone
- Visit FloridaDisaster.org to look up your evacuation zone.
- Identify multiple routes out of your neighborhood and know where you’ll go if you evacuate, such as a family home, hotel, or public shelter.
Set a Communication Plan
- Choose an out-of-town contact everyone can call to check in.
- Make sure all family members have a printed list of important phone numbers.
- Text messages often go through when calls cannot.
Include Pet Safety
- Locate pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance.
- Pack pet food, medications, leashes, and crates in your emergency kit.
Assign Responsibilities
- Who grabs the emergency kit?
- Who secures the pets?
- Who turns off utilities if needed?
Having clear roles reduces confusion and saves time when it matters most.
Plan for Special Needs
- Consider elderly family members, medical equipment, medications, or dietary needs.
- Build these essentials into both your plan and your emergency kit.
Step 2: Pack Your Hurricane Prep Kit (2025 Update)
Having a fully stocked kit ready before hurricane season ensures you’re not rushing to stores during a last-minute scramble. Here’s what your updated kit should include:
Basic Supplies
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- Non-perishable food for at least three days
- Manual can opener
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred)
- First aid kit
Power and Communication
- Fully charged power banks and solar chargers if possible
- Battery-powered fans
- Printed list of emergency contacts
Hygiene and Personal Items
- Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Extra clothes, sturdy shoes, and rain gear
Important Documents
- Insurance policies
- IDs and passports
- Medical records
- Property deeds, lease agreements, and vehicle titles
- Store all documents in a waterproof bag or upload them to secure cloud storage
Special Items
- Infant formula and diapers
- Prescription medications
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Hearing aids and extra batteries
Pet Supplies
- Food, water, leash, and carrier
- Medications
- Copy of vaccination records
Home Protection Tools
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Tools to secure windows and doors
- Sandbags if you’re in a flood-prone area
Final Tip: Practice Your Plan
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to test your plan. Run a practice drill with your family. Review your kit every three to six months and rotate out expired food, batteries, and medications. The more prepared you are now, the more confident you will be later.
We’re Here to Help
At Hurricane Help Florida, we’re committed to supporting families before, during, and after storms. Stay connected for real-time alerts, rebuilding resources, and volunteer coordination through our StormResQ app, launching soon.
Start preparing today. It’s the best way to protect the people and things you care about most.