Some of the Most Common Hurricane Questions in South Florida

Common Hurricane Questions in South Florida

Facts About Tropical Storms

Hurricanes in History: Facts About the Most Noteworthy Storms

Hurricane Evacuation

What Does a Mandatory Hurricane Evacuation Mean?

Danger is imminent and conditions pose a serious risk to the lives of everyone in the evacuation zone

Hurricane Evacuation Zones in Florida

Hurricane evacuation zones are designated by letter according to the level of risk. Know your zone and follow recommended evacuation orders.

When to Evacuate for a Hurricane

Leave immediately after a hurricane watch has been issued, or if you were instructed by the local authorities

Should You Evacuate for a Category 3 Hurricane?

Category 3 storms are a significant threat, and evacuation is recommended in many cases

What to Pack for a Hurricane Evacuation?

A basic hurricane preparation kit should contain:

• Water and food
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Whistle
• Sanitation supplies like garbage bags and moist towelettes
• Local maps
• Cell phone with a backup battery

During periods of high threat of severe weather, it’s a good idea to have a bag ready to go in case of an emergency evacuation. Use a hurricane evacuation checklist to make sure you don’t forget any essentials.

Hurricane Pet Safety

If you have pets, get them microchipped and put together a bag with necessities like food, water, medicines, a leash, waste disposal bags, and a crate for safety. Include some toys or treats to help your pet stay calm. Know where Florida pet-friendly evacuation shelters are located and have a backup caregiver lined up if you are unable to keep your pet with you.

Why Is It Important to Make Sure You Have a Full Tank of Gas before a Hurricane

Fill up your gas tank before a hurricane so you are prepared to travel and don’t risk higher prices or gas shortages. Also, after a hurricane, power outages and road problems for fuel distribution can cause difficulty in getting gas after the storm.

Do Flights Get Cancelled Due to Tropical Storms?

A flight can get delayed or canceled because of a tropical storm. It depends on the severity, location, and flight route.

Shelter

Florida Storm Shelters

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you may want to invest in a storm shelter. These are small, above-ground, or in-closet rooms designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane or EF-5 tornado.

You can also seek out community-designated buildings that offer shelter during severe storms.

Safety Tips

Some of the basic safety measures for hurricanes include gathering supplies, like water, food, and flashlights for hurricanes. You should also have a hurricane disaster plan that everyone in your family is familiar with. Include meeting places, contact numbers, and basic safety procedures.

Safety Tips

Some of the basic safety measures for hurricanes include gathering supplies, like water, food, and flashlights for hurricanes. You should also have a hurricane disaster plan that everyone in your family is familiar with. Include meeting places, contact numbers, and basic safety procedures.

Hurricane Emergency Supply List

Hurricane emergency supplies should include:

• Emergency food and water supply
• First aid kit and medicines
• Safety and personal items
• Important documents, such as I.D.’s, medical documents, and wills
• Fire extinguisher
• Hurricane emergency radio
• Hurricane flashlight
• Battery-operated hurricane lights
• Battery-operated TV for hurricanes

Collect a stock of emergency supplies and update it often to make sure food is fresh and batteries work.

Dangers of Hurricane Batteries

Always store, use, and dispose of batteries as directed. They can pose a fire risk, and also contain toxic chemicals that can contaminate groundwater.

Can You Use Candles During a Hurricane?

You should avoid using candles during any strong storm. The potential dangers of a candle causing a fire inside a home or business is way too high; and during a dangerous storm it will be difficult (and quite possibly unlikely) for any emergency rescue teams to help. Also, winds can damage gas lines and cause leaks, so lighting any type of fire is a potential hazard and should be avoided.

Florida Tax Holiday for Hurricane Supplies

When Is Hurricane Tax-Free Week in Florida?

Save on supplies in the lead-up to hurricane season by making purchasing Florida tax-free hurricane supplies. This usually happens at the end of May or early June. The tax holiday in 2022 ran from May 28 through June 10.

What Hurricane Supplies Are Tax-Free?

Some of the supplies available tax-free for disaster prep include:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Pet leashes and collars
• Batteries and weather radios
• Tarps
• Generators
• Flashlights

Qualifying items have price restrictions.

Power Outages from Hurricanes

How to Prepare for a Power Outage During a Hurricane

It’s best to turn off and unplug appliances to prevent damage from a power surge. Have a backup hurricane power supply available, such as a generator. Keep plenty of flashlights and battery-powered lanterns on hand.

Cell Phones During Hurricanes

Your cell phone allows you to communicate and access vital information in an emergency. Make the most of your battery by avoiding power-draining activities and prioritizing emergency use only. Have a secondary battery or cordless cell phone backup chargers available if possible.

Hurricane Food and Water Safety

Hurricane Emergency Food List

Your hurricane food supply should consist of:

• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned meat
• Canned soups
• Canned pasta
• Canned beans
• Peanut butter
• Energy bars
• Bread and crackers
• Dry cereal
• Rice
• Oats

All items should be zero or minimal prep.

Why Do You Need Bottled Water for a Hurricane?

Hurricanes can impact the public water system, making water difficult to access or unsafe to drink. Plan on one gallon of bottled drinking water for each person per day.

Why Do You Fill the Bathtub During a Hurricane?

In an emergency, water from a filled bathtub can be used to flush the toilet, wash dishes, or purified for drinking.

What to Do After a Hurricane

Safety Tips after a Hurricane

Once the hurricane is over, the danger hasn’t passed. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

• Stay away from floodwater
• Don’t use wet electrical devices
• Avoid power lines
• Protect yourself against pests
• Wash your hands
• Take care of injuries
• Clean your home safely
• Eat and drink only what is deemed safe

You may need to contact a professional to help you with cleanup efforts that are a risk to your safety.

Generator Safety after a Hurricane

Power outages are almost guaranteed after a hurricane. This is why you need to have a generator for hurricane season. Follow basic generator safety by keeping it dry, and clean, and give it space on all sides for airflow. Never use a generator indoors as they can produce carbon monoxide.