Protect.

Discover a list of helpful steps to protect your home and family during a hurricane.

Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows to withstand high winds and debris. If unavailable, board up windows with plywood as a temporary protective measure. Ensure that garage doors are reinforced to prevent them from giving way under hurricane pressure. Learn more about window and door protection here.

Anchor or bring indoors any outdoor objects like lawn furniture and garden tools that can be blown away. Strengthen your home by retrofitting the roof, straps, and shutters to enhance structural integrity. Seal exterior openings to prevent water from entering. More details on securing your home can be found here.

Discuss and practice a family evacuation plan. Know your local evacuation zone and ensure that everyone knows how to contact each other if separated. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as food, water, medications, and important documents. Pack everything in waterproof containers. Check out how to prepare an emergency kit here.

Document your belongings for insurance with photos or videos. Keep digital copies of important documents in secure cloud storage. Review your insurance coverage to ensure it includes adequate protection for disasters, including flood insurance. Tips on financial preparedness can be found here.

Stay updated with real-time weather conditions and hurricane forecasts via apps and weather websites. Sign up for local alert systems for immediate advisories. Follow evacuation orders and routes as directed by local emergency management. For updates, visit the National Hurricane Center here.

Useful Resources

Hillsborough County

Disaster Preparedness Guide.

Pinellas County

Hurricane Guide.

Polk County

Hurricane Preparedness Guide.

Lake County

Preparedness Guide.

Brevard County

Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Broward County

Hurricane Preparedness Guide.

Monroe County

Preparedness Guide.

Charlotte County

Disaster Guide.

Hernando County

Emergency Management.