University of Florida

Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery


Hurricane season is here! Floods, hurricanes, sinkholes, wildfires, and hazardous materials spills are frightening, but preparing for a disaster can help you overcome your fears. If you are prepared, you are more likely to react calmly when something does happen. The following steps can help you prepare for any kind of disaster.

Create a Family Disaster Plan

A plan will ensure that in case of a disaster, your family is prepared not only physically but also mentally.

  • Gather information. What disasters should you be most prepared for? How would you be warned in case of a disaster?
  • Share information. Meet with the other members of your household to discuss possible disasters and how you will respond to them.
  • Plan how you will stay in contact. This is important in case you get separated during a disaster. Your plan should include specifics, such as a family meeting place or an out-of-state friend to check in with.
  • Meet with neighbors. Share information and coordinate plans with your neighbors. Find out if any neighbors with special needs--such as elderly or disabled people--will need your help in an emergency.

Empower Your Family

Everyone in your family can contribute to disaster preparedness.

  • Emergency telephone numbers. Post these numbers by every phone in the house.
  • Utilities. Show responsible family members how to shut off gas, electricity, and water.
  • First aid and CPR. Someone in your family should have these important skills. Contact your local Red Cross chapter for information and training.
  • Important family documents. Keep birth certificates, wills, insurance policies, passports, social security cards, and other important documents in containers that are waterproof, fireproof, and portable. See Disaster Planning: Important Papers and Documents for more information.
  • Home hazards. Look around your home for electrical, chemical, and fire hazards. Check fire safety equipment--smoke detectors and fire extinguishers--regularly. Look for items that could shift or fall, especially during disasters. Know your home's escape routes.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

In case of evacuation, keep these supplies in an easy-to-carry container, such as a camping backpack or a duffle bag.

  • Water. Store fresh water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Empty, rinse, and refill these containers every six months. Plan for at least two quarts of water per person per day. Remember to include water purification supplies in your kit. See Preparing for Disasters: Your Food and Drinking Water Supply for more information.
  • Food. Stock a two-week supply of non-perishable food that requires little or no cooking. Remember to pack a can opener if you are stocking canned food. See Hurricane Preparation: A Q&A Guide to Water and Food Safety and Quality for more information.
  • Toiletries. Keep a supply of toilet paper, deodorant, insect repellent, toothbrushes, and other hygiene-related items.
  • First aid supplies. Items you should have in your kit include aspirin, bandages, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic, and sunscreen. Make sure you keep track of medicine expiration dates.
  • Clothing and bedding. Pack at least one change of clothing and footwear per person. You should also include sturdy shoes, rain gear, and blankets or sleeping bags.
  • Special items. These will depend on your family's needs, but could include items like insulin, baby foods, and heart medicine. Again, keep track of medicine expiration dates.

See Disaster Prep & Recovery for many sources of information about disaster preparedness and response.

Excerpted and adapted from:

UF Disaster Handbook, maintained by the Prevention and Preparedness Design Team, State Major Program (SMP) 124 of Florida Cooperative Extension; and the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN).

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