Hurricane season has officially begun.

Over the next six months, we must stay alert to news reports and be ready to face a tropical storm or hurricane in the state of Florida. Early forecasts predict an average of 13-20 named storms. Of those, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects six to 10 hurricanes or storms producing a maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. It also predicts three to five major hurricanes; category 3 or stronger for the 2021 hurricane season.

Have a specific hurricane season question?

Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office or visit the UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery website for tip sheets, infographics, how-to videos and more.

And don’t forget to visit updates.emergency.ufl.edu for the latest information as well as additional resources to help you be prepared during this season.

Here to help

Many Floridians are already keeping an eye on the forecast, pruning trees and stocking up on supplies.

But for UF/IFAS faculty, staff, students and volunteers, getting ready for hurricane season involves much more.

From helping families and businesses prepare for a storm, to staffing emergency operations centers and assessing economic impacts after an event, UF/IFAS helps Florida communities bounce back from disasters.

Disaster response is just one of the many ways UF/IFAS fulfills the land-grant mission. With more than 4,000 employees spread across UF main campus, 67 county Extension offices and more than a dozen research centers, UF/IFAS brings the university’s expertise to every corner of the Sunshine State — rain or shine.

Helpful resources

Health, Home & Pets

If you’re hunkered down at home or have to move to a shelter, make sure you and your family are safe. Find tips on drinking water, food safety, pets, finances and more.

Trees & Landscapes

A hurricane can wreak havoc on your home landscape. Find information on hiring an arborist, mitigating wind damage, flooding and more.

READ MORE: Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season

Agriculture & Livestock

Agriculture is the second largest industry in Florida. Producers can learn how to prepare their operation, care for livestock and more.

Natural Resources & Marine Industries

From our coasts to our forests, Florida is rich in natural resources. Learn best practices for land managers, aquaculture operations, boaters and more.

Celebrating Hurricane Heroes

Over the next several months, we’ll be celebrating members of the UF/IFAS community who make a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of those affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. Look for stories of these hurricane heroes on this website and on UF social media.

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