Disaster Preparedness Resources
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Shelters I Florida Disasters *Also includes information for special needs shelters.
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Department of Elder Affairs 202 Disaster Resource Guide for Older Adults (PDF download)
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FEMA Mobile App
Includes information on open shelters, recovery centers, disaster survival tips, weather alerts, and more.
Additional resources from FloridaDisaster.org
· Hurricane Supply Checklist
· Disability Planning
· Have a Pet Plan
· Have a Place to Go
· Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
· State Assistance Information Line
· Videos
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Hurricane season is here and it’s time to prepare for everything that comes with it. Florida gets more hurricanes than any U.S. state and being smart and planning ahead can mean the difference for you, your family and your business. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above normal number of storms for the 2024 season that is from June through November. Florida has already experienced tropical activity that brought rain and flooding to some areas. If you have not started to prepare for the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane, don’t delay. Start your preparations, now.
Here’s what you can do now:
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Learn your evacuation routes: If ordered to evacuate, then evacuate. There’s no telling to what extent an incoming hurricane may damage your community, neighborhood, or home. Know your local evacuation routes and make contingencies for where you can stay. During a hurricane, emergency response services may be significantly delayed or temporarily unavailable.
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Please note that bridges may be shut off to traffic,therefore those near the coastline or on barrier islands should especially heed evacuation notices.
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Create or update your disaster kit: Ensure you have a seven-day supply of necessities. This includes non-perishable food items, bottled water, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, batteries, cash, medicines, a first-aid kit, pet food and supplies, or any important family documents.
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Create or update your family emergency plan and include your pets: In the case of separation, have a list printed and on hand with the telephone numbers of family or loved ones outside your area. Microchip your pets and make sure their microchip is up-to-date in the event of separation.
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Register with shelters: If you are in an evacuation zone and if your plan is to stay in a shelter, let the shelter know ahead. Not all shelters take pets so remember to ask about your furry friends.
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Sign up for emergency and weather alerts: Download FEMA’s mobile app which includes weather alerts, shelter locations, and other emergency resources. Sign up for emergency alerts from your county. To receive up-to-date information on potential hurricanes in the Atlantic basin, refer to the National Hurricane Center Website.
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Trim landscaping that could become flying debris: Have foliage thinned for the summer so wind can flow freely through branches. Yard waste and large amounts of trimmings will most likely not get picked up as the storm approaches and waste collection,including recycling will be limited. Once a watch or storm warning is announced, do not trim vegetation of any kind. If you hire a private contractor to remove the debris before the storm, your county or municipality will more than likely not reimburse you.
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For businesses:Businesses should have a business continuity plan that includes emergency procedures in case of a storm and your employees cannot come to work. Back-up all critical files on your computer or an external source before you evacuate.Depending on the damage, you may not be able to get to your business for days or even weeks.
In the case of an impending hurricane, you must heed any evacuation notices to ensure safety.
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STAY AWAY from flooding, downed power lines, and debris.
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DO NOT use a generator indoors. It can be deadly. Use a generator outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors, or ventilation. Do not refuel your generator while it is hot or still running.
If there’s flooding:
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Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
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Avoid driving except in emergencies.
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Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
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People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immunosuppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled.
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Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
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Avoid wading in flood water, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris.
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Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
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Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
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Visit Ready.gov for more information.
After the Storm:
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Re-establishing normal commercial and household, garbage, recycling and vegetative waste will be a priority for municipalities and Florida counties. Do not place household garbage and recycling out for collection until you’re notified that normal collection has begun. It may take weeks to collect yard waste if the storm in your area was severe.
Other tips:
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Get your home ready to endure the storm: Cover your windows or close and lock your shutters. Properly store objects that can cause damage or become lethal projectiles, such as lawn furniture or trash cans.
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For surfers: Do not enter the ocean to surf or swim before a tropical storm or hurricane. While these storms produce larger waves than usual ahead of landfall, they also are extremely hazardous due to powerful rip currents and steep waves.
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Attention boaters: Prepare to safely store your vessel well ahead of a storm. Storm surge and wind can propel a boat anywhere. Refer to county or city resources and orders when planning to store your vessel.
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Fill your gas tanks: Ensure your car has a full tank of gas in the event you are ordered to evacuate to safety. Be cognizant that it may be difficult to get gas in the few days prior to an impending storm due to the lines for gas that may form.
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Don’t leave your pets behind: Do not let your pets outside during the storm and maintain control over them. In addition to your emergency supply kit, make sure you include pet items such as leashes or carriers, pet food, water, and bowls. Print and have on-hand photos of your pet in case you are separated from them.
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Be aware of price gouging:Charging “unconscionable prices” for essential items – such as food, ice, or generators – in short supply prior to a disaster or during the early recovery period is illegal in the state of Florida. These laws are triggered by a declaration of a state of emergency.
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If you witness a suspected case of price gouging, file a price gouging complaint with the Florida Attorney General or call the Florida Attorney General at1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) to report an incident.
Additional resources:
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The National Hurricane Center: This website provides up-to-date weather information on hurricanes.
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National Weather Service: You can also find information here.
It only takes one hurricane to devastate a community, a home, or a family. Recycle Florida Today urges everyone to begin preparing their emergency kits and contingency plans.
Stay safe!
