While we are hoping for the best, it is best to prepare for the worst. Here are helpful links, resources and tips to weather the storm.

The #1 Most Important Tip – Be prepared, not panicked!

Preparing Your Home

  • Protect your windows
  • Install hurricane shutters or build your own hurricane shutters by following this step-by-step guide
  • Trim trees and shrubs
  • If this is not already done and you do not have some way to dispose of the trimmings, skip this step – Cut tree limbs could become projectiles during the storm
  • Remove or secure outdoor items such as yard decorations, patio furniture, grills and garbage cans
  • Store important documents in waterproof containers
  • Turn the fridge and freezer to the coldest setting
  • Ensure your generator has fuel and is ready for use
  • Back up personal computers and devices in case of loss
  • Backing up files to the cloud (such as Dropbox or Google Drive) allows you to store files without an external hard drive
  • Take video of each room in your home as well as valuables, before the storm – All you need is your cell phone! Walk slowly through each room narrating an inventory. Upload it to the cloud so it’s available if you need it.
    For more hurricane preparation tips and resources, visit our pages on Creating Your Hurricane Checklist and How to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane.

Hurricane Kit

For a basic kit checklist and additional resources, visit our page on Creating Your Hurricane Checklist.

Hurricane “Hacks”

Here are some alternative solutions to bottled water and finding the supplies you need:

  • Bathroom facilities – Fill your bathtubs with water and use small buckets of water to flush toilets and wash hands
    Note – Be careful to keep the bathroom door secure if you have pets or young children
  • Drinking water
    As an alternative to buying bottled water, fill up clean, seal-able containers with tap water – Buckets, reusable water bottles, thermoses, etc.
    Many local breweries are offering free filtered water when you bring your own containers to fill, and Grove Roots Brewing Co. in Winter Haven has announced they have clean water tanked and ready to share after the storm if there are municipal water issues
  • Batteries – Check “outside of the box” stores such as Dollar Tree, Best Buy, Party City, etc.
  • Ice – Fill gallon freezer bags with ice and have them stored in the freezer

Evacuation Planning

Officials recommend people who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas, live in mobile homes near the coast, or are traveling with young children, elderly, or persons with special needs should leave when a storm is approaching and before a general evacuation is recommended.

Before you hit the road, make sure you:

  • Have a destination
  • Are familiar with travel routes
  • Take your emergency supply kit – make sure to include supplies for pets!
  • Keep at least a half-tank of gas in your car

Visit the ready.gov website for additional evacuation planning tips.