Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30, and 2025 is projected to be an intense year with 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and up to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Preparing a disaster supply kit is critical to ensure your family’s safety during and after a storm. Here’s what you need:
- Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days. Don’t forget pets!
- Food: Nonperishable items like canned meats, vegetables, dried fruits, and snacks. Include a manual can opener.
- First Aid & Medications: Stock a first aid kit, prescription medications (2-week supply), and hygiene essentials like soap, sanitizer, and wipes.
- Clothing & Bedding: Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, blankets, and sleeping bags.
- Emergency Tools: Flashlights, batteries, a NOAA weather radio, and basic tools like a wrench and duct tape.
- Documents: Store IDs, insurance policies, and medical records in waterproof containers and keep digital backups.
- Pet Supplies: Food, water, medications, and ID tags for pets.
- Special Needs: Plan for disabilities, medical equipment, or dietary restrictions.
Prepare now to avoid chaos later. Store items in waterproof containers and review your kit every six months. When the storm passes, professional restoration services can help with long-term recovery.
HURRICANE SUPPLY KIT: How to prepare an emergency kit | 10News WTSP
Water and Food Supplies
When disaster strikes, grocery stores shut down, supply chains break, and families can lose access to basic necessities. Preparing ahead with enough water and food is critical to navigating extended outages or infrastructure failures. Below are practical steps for Floridians to ensure they’re ready when the unexpected happens.
Water Storage Guidelines
Water is the foundation of any emergency plan. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. For a family of four, that means a minimum of 12 gallons for three days. However, it’s wise to store more if you can, especially for longer emergencies. Households with children, nursing mothers, or sick individuals may need extra water.
Don’t forget about your pets! They’ll need between a quart and a gallon of water daily, depending on their size and activity level.
To store water safely, use sanitized, food-grade containers with tight lids. Clearly label them as "drinking water" and include the storage date. Keep these containers in a cool, dark, and dry spot, away from direct sunlight and hazardous chemicals.
The good news? Water storage is affordable. In Tampa Bay, tap water costs less than a penny per gallon, making it an inexpensive way to safeguard your family’s well-being.
Nonperishable Food Items
Stocking the right emergency food means finding a balance between nutrition, shelf life, and familiarity. Barry Swanson, professor emeritus of food science at Washington State University, underscores the importance of calorie-dense options:
In a disaster or an emergency, you want those calories. You want some nutrients and some fiber – something to keep your diet normal.
For protein, consider canned meats like tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey. Peanut butter and dried beans are also excellent sources of protein and fiber. Grains and starches – such as white rice, flour, oats, and wheat – are versatile staples, while whole-wheat crackers provide quick carbohydrates. To round out your diet, include canned vegetables (like green beans, carrots, and peas), dried fruits (such as raisins and apricots), and energy-packed snacks like trail mixes, granola bars, and nuts.
Sweeteners like honey, sugar, or maple syrup can make meals more enjoyable. As Elizabeth Andress, professor emerita and extension food safety specialist at the University of Georgia, points out:
In an emergency, generally you tend to think of meeting more basic needs than preferences and flavors. But if you plan right, you can have a great variety of foods and nutrients.
Check expiration dates every six to 12 months to ensure freshness, and store food in cool, dry, and dark areas to extend shelf life. Don’t forget essential tools like a manual can opener – it’s a lifesaver when the power is out. Be sure to account for everyone’s unique nutritional needs when stocking up.
Special Dietary Needs
Emergency food planning should address the specific dietary requirements of your household. The Department of Homeland Security advises families to stock foods that are familiar and easy to eat while avoiding items that might cause dehydration.
For infants, elderly family members, or those with medical dietary restrictions, choose nutrient-rich foods they’re accustomed to. Make sure to document any special requirements so you can plan effectively.
First Aid, Medications, and Hygiene Supplies
Hurricanes in Florida can make medical facilities inaccessible and delay emergency services. Having the right health and hygiene supplies at home isn’t just smart – it’s essential. A well-prepared disaster kit goes beyond food and water; it’s about protecting your health and safety during a crisis.
First Aid Kit
A fully stocked first aid kit is a must for handling injuries when help might not be immediately available. Include disposable gloves, sterile gauze pads in various sizes, antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and a digital thermometer. You’ll also need medical scissors, tweezers, medical tape, instant cold packs, and elastic bandages. Store everything in a waterproof container and make it a habit to check expiration dates every six months.
Prescription Medications
Planning ahead for your medications can save you from a tough situation. Danielle DiBari, chief pharmacy officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, stresses the importance of preparation:
There are a number of things you can do to get your medications replaced when disaster strikes.
Start by creating a detailed list of your prescriptions. Include the medication name, dosage, your prescribing doctor’s contact info, and your pharmacy’s details. Take a photo of the list and share it with a trusted friend or family member. Keep a printed copy with you at all times.
Before hurricane season, contact your insurance provider to learn about their emergency refill policies, delivery options, and any disaster assistance programs. Many insurance plans have provisions to help you access medications during emergencies.
If you use a chain pharmacy, you have an added advantage. Sarah Stephens, pharmacy initiatives manager at Cedars-Sinai, explains:
You can actually go to any other location of that chain pharmacy, and they can look up your prescription drug history, find what you’re on and fill it in an emergency situation.
For those without insurance, the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) offers free emergency medication refills during federally declared disasters. Pharmacists also have the authority to refill prescriptions in emergencies, even if refills aren’t left.
Prepare a go bag with a two-week supply of your medications and your medication list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting advance refills, especially during Florida’s hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Personal Hygiene Items
Hygiene is more than a comfort issue during disasters – it’s critical for preventing illness when floodwaters and debris bring an increase in bacteria and germs. Convoy of Hope emphasizes the importance of hygiene kits:
A collection of items designed to prevent the spread of germs – that’s the bare bones definition of a hygiene kit.
Start with hand-cleaning essentials like antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and disinfectant wipes. Add moist towelettes or baby wipes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and heavy-duty garbage bags with ties. Oral hygiene is equally important, so pack toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash.
For added comfort, include travel-sized shampoo, a small towel and washcloth, deodorant, lip balm, and a comb. If shaving is part of your routine, pack disposable razors and shaving cream.
Store these items in airtight plastic bags to keep them dry, especially in flood-prone Florida. Replace supplies annually to ensure they’re ready when needed.
Hygiene kits are budget-friendly, starting at just $4.99, making them an easy addition to your disaster kit. Tailor your kit to fit your family’s specific needs, taking into account factors like age, gender, and any special requirements.
Clothing, Bedding, and Personal Items
In Florida, disasters often bring power outages or force evacuations. Having the right clothing, bedding, and personal items ready can make these situations much easier to handle.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Florida’s hot and humid weather, combined with risks like flooding and debris, requires thoughtful clothing choices. Include at least two full sets of clothing and footwear per person in your emergency kit. Sturdy shoes or work boots are a must for navigating areas with broken glass or other hazards, while flip-flops should be avoided as they offer little protection. Pack rain gear, hats, and gloves to shield yourself from storms.
Even though long sleeves and pants might seem uncomfortable in the heat, they provide protection from the sun, insects, and minor injuries. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay cool while staying protected. Include both lightweight clothing for daytime heat and an extra warm layer for cooler nights or heavily air-conditioned shelters.
Bedding and Comfort Items
After hurricanes or during power outages, having proper bedding is essential for rest and recovery. Pack blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows for everyone in your household. Lightweight sleeping bags are ideal for Florida’s climate as they save space and are practical, but make sure to have at least one warm blanket per person for emergency shelters. Familiar items like a favorite pillow or blanket can also provide emotional comfort during stressful times.
Personal Identification and Documents
In flood-prone Florida, protecting important documents from water damage is critical. These documents can help streamline insurance claims, medical care, and disaster assistance. Store them in waterproof, fireproof containers and create digital backups for added security.
For physical copies, use a lockable, fireproof file box for easy access. Waterproof bags or containers can further protect them from water damage. As Nick Guy from Wirecutter explains:
Document safes are meant to provide protection from fire, water, and to a degree, theft, for people who wish to keep important belongings safe in an office or at home. They’re best for important documents – such as passports or birth certificates – or small items like hard drives or USB sticks.
Larry McKenna of the U.S. Fire Administration recommends, "Get the best [safe] you can afford".
Digital copies are equally important. Save them on password-protected flash drives or secure cloud storage. Include critical items like driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, medical records, bank details, property deeds, Social Security cards, and legal documents like wills or power of attorney forms. Make it a habit to review and update your document storage annually.
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Emergency Tools, Communication, and Lighting
When hurricanes and storms hit Florida, power outages and communication breakdowns are almost inevitable. Having the right tools, reliable communication devices, and effective lighting can make a huge difference in staying safe and managing potentially dangerous situations.
Lighting Solutions
Skip the candles and opt for safer alternatives like battery-operated flashlights and lanterns. Aim to have at least one flashlight per person in your household, and store batteries separately to prevent accidental drainage.
Battery-operated LED flashlights are a great choice – they’re bright and energy-efficient. For lighting up entire rooms, battery-powered lanterns are ideal and allow for hands-free use. Solar-powered lights with hand-crank backups are another smart option, especially when you’re running low on batteries.
To keep everything ready, store your batteries in a cool, dry spot and check their expiration dates regularly. If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, consider rechargeable batteries paired with a solar charger. Headlamps are also incredibly handy for tasks like cooking, repairs, or caring for family members, giving you both light and free hands.
When light alone isn’t enough, reliable communication becomes critical.
Communication Devices
Staying informed during a disaster is non-negotiable, but cell phones often become unreliable when towers are damaged or networks are overloaded. That’s where a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio comes in – it’s a lifeline for receiving official weather updates and emergency alerts when other communication options fail.
As Terra Frma points out:
Emergency communication systems are essential as emergency communication often needs to be timely. Emergency events can occur with little to no warning and may pose health and safety threats. Communicating quickly and effectively can help mitigate some risks in an emergency.
For long-distance communication when traditional networks are down, satellite phones are a dependable choice. These devices connect directly to satellites, bypassing damaged infrastructure. The Iridium Extreme PTT, for example, offers up to 54 hours of standby battery life, making it one of the toughest options out there. While satellite phones are more expensive than regular cell phones, they can be lifesaving when you need to reach someone outside the affected area.
HAM radios are another reliable option, especially for coordinating with rescue workers or participating in relief efforts. Unlike cell networks, HAM radios avoid bandwidth issues and can operate independently. It’s also a good idea to keep a written list of emergency contacts, local shelter locations, and other vital numbers in a waterproof container, just in case.
Tools and Safety Equipment
Having the right tools on hand can be a game-changer when professional help is delayed. Equip yourself with essentials like a wrench, pliers, and a multipurpose utility knife for handling utilities and basic cutting tasks.
A whistle is another must-have – it’s more effective than shouting and requires far less energy. Its sound carries further and can help rescue workers locate you, even in low-visibility conditions.
For quick fixes or temporary shelter, pack plastic sheeting and duct tape. These can be used to seal windows or doors during chemical emergencies or severe weather.
Power outages often come with additional risks, so being ready to tackle urgent repairs is crucial. Store your tools in a waterproof container or bag, and make sure every adult in your household knows where they’re kept and how to use them properly.
Pet Supplies and Special Considerations
Disasters don’t just disrupt human lives – they can be equally distressing for pets and individuals with special needs. Preparing for Florida’s hurricane season requires thoughtful planning to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of your household, including the furry ones and those with unique challenges.
Pet Care Items
Pets need their own disaster kits with enough supplies to last 3–14 days. Pack food and water for each pet in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Medications are essential too, along with medical records like vaccination details and prescriptions. Store these documents in a waterproof container, alongside your other critical paperwork.
Identification becomes especially crucial during disasters, as pets can easily get separated from their families. Ensure your pets have up-to-date ID tags and microchip information. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, it’s worth considering. To ease their stress in chaotic situations, include comforting items like their favorite toys, blankets, and bedding. Don’t forget practical items like a sturdy carrier or leash for each pet, as well as sanitation supplies such as waste bags, litter, and cleaning materials.
If evacuation is part of your plan, arrange accommodations for your pets ahead of time. Service animals are permitted in Red Cross shelters, but for other pets, research pet-friendly hotels or make arrangements with friends or family who can host them during the emergency.
Special Needs and Accessibility
For family members with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other special medical needs, disaster preparedness requires extra effort. The CDC warns that "emergencies may disproportionately impact people with disabilities", making early planning essential.
Start by building a support network and securely storing emergency contact details. If someone relies on powered medical equipment, consult their doctor about backup power options, and contact your utility provider to be added to their priority restoration list. Keep additional medical supplies on hand. For those using power wheelchairs, have a lightweight manual wheelchair as a backup, and make sure others know how to operate it. A portable air pump for wheelchair tires can also be a lifesaver.
Communication is another key consideration. Carry printed cards or store essential information on your phone to help first responders understand specific needs. For individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, keep devices charged with familiar content to provide comfort. Noise-canceling headphones can help reduce sensory overload. If caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, bring items that provide reassurance during an evacuation. When sheltering in place, choose a calm, low-traffic area to reduce confusion and anxiety.
Finally, secure essential documents for recovery efforts. These can be critical in rebuilding after a disaster.
Document and Record Safety
Just like personal supplies, safeguarding important documents is a cornerstone of disaster recovery. Store originals in waterproof containers and keep backup copies in separate, secure locations. Digitizing your records can also be a game-changer – scan vital documents and save them on external drives, flash drives, or secure cloud storage.
This approach proved invaluable during the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2025. Flooding and infrastructure damage in Florida and North Carolina left many struggling, but those who had digitized their documents were able to file insurance claims, access federal aid, and replace identification more efficiently.
To further protect physical documents, invest in fire-, water-, and impact-resistant file cabinets. Store these items above flood levels – on the second floor or higher, if possible. As Matt DeCirce, Product Manager, advises:
The best way to protect items in the event of a disaster is to have a plan in place.
If documents do get damaged, act quickly to dry them and seek professional recovery services if needed.
Conclusion: Staying Safe and Prepared
When Florida’s unpredictable weather strikes, having a well-stocked disaster supply kit can make all the difference. It ensures your family stays safe, fed, and comfortable for at least seven days during hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.
Think of your disaster kit as your family’s safety net. When hurricane warnings are issued or emergency alerts go off, you’ll feel reassured knowing you’re ready for the challenges ahead.
As FEMA advises:
Keeping a disaster supply kit ready at all times is essential for emergencies.
Pack your supplies in airtight plastic bags and store them in portable containers for easy access in case you need to evacuate. It’s also a smart move to keep additional emergency supplies in your car and workplace.
Don’t forget to check your disaster kit every six months to ensure everything is up to date and functional. While your kit is crucial for immediate needs, the aftermath of severe weather often requires professional help for long-term recovery.
Partnering with Experts
Even the best preparation can’t prevent all storm damage. When hurricanes, flooding, or severe weather leave your home in need of repairs, professional restoration services become essential for getting life back to normal as quickly as possible.
CEO Restoration offers a range of damage restoration services throughout Orlando, Winter Garden, and Central Florida. From water damage restoration to storm and wind damage repair, their 24/7 emergency response team is ready to help. They even handle direct insurance billing, so you can focus on what’s most important – keeping your family safe.
Your disaster supply kit is your first layer of protection, but having skilled restoration experts on your side ensures that, no matter how severe the situation, you won’t face recovery alone.
FAQs
What should families with young children or elderly members include in their disaster supply kit?
For families with young children or elderly members, having a well-stocked disaster supply kit is crucial for safety and comfort during emergencies. Here’s what you should pack:
- Water: Plan for at least one gallon per person per day, enough to last several days.
- Non-perishable food: Stock up on items that can sustain each person for at least three days.
- Medications: Don’t forget prescription medicines, extra batteries for hearing aids, glasses, and contact lenses.
- Baby supplies: Include essentials like bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, and baby food.
- Comfort items: Bring toys, blankets, or other familiar objects to help ease stress.
- Hygiene essentials: Pack soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
- First aid kit: Make sure it includes bandages, antiseptic, and any specific medical supplies your family might need.
- Communication tools: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a fully charged portable phone charger are must-haves.
In Florida, where hurricanes and severe storms are a part of life, being prepared can make all the difference. Having these supplies ready helps ensure your family’s safety and peace of mind. And if your home suffers damage during a disaster, CEO Restoration is available 24/7 across Central Florida to help you recover quickly and get back on track.
How can I safely store and access my medications during a hurricane when pharmacies might be closed?
To keep your medications safe and usable during a hurricane, it’s essential to take a few precautions. Start by storing them in waterproof containers to shield them from moisture. For medications that need to stay cold, have ice packs or a cooler on hand to handle potential power outages. It’s also a good idea to maintain an emergency supply of your prescriptions and refill them ahead of time if a storm is on the way. Lastly, prepare a written list of your medications, noting dosages and prescribing doctors, so you have the necessary information if you need medical help or replacements during the storm.
How can I prepare my pets for evacuation during Florida’s hurricane season?
To ensure your pets stay safe during a hurricane evacuation, it’s essential to prepare a disaster supply kit just for them. This kit should include their medications, vaccination records stored in a waterproof container, sturdy leashes or carriers, and enough food and water to last at least seven days. Add waste bags, bowls, and a few comfort items like toys or blankets to help keep them calm.
Double-check that your pet’s ID tags and microchip details are current. Keep recent photos of your pet handy in case you need to prove ownership. It’s also a good idea to practice evacuation drills so your pets can get used to their carriers and the idea of traveling. To avoid last-minute chaos, research pet-friendly shelters or lodging options along your evacuation route ahead of time.
Taking these steps will help ensure your pets remain safe and cared for during emergencies.