Water Wednesday Recap: Hurricane Preparedness for New Florida Residents

In the June Water Wednesday webinar, Hurricane Preparedness: A Guide for New Florida Residents, Dr. Angie Lindsey, an associate professor in the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences with University of Florida, shares some practical steps to prepare for Florida’s hurricane season, including evacuation planning, emergency kits, generator safety, home preparation, and common post-storm hazards.

Understanding the Hurricane Calendar

In Florida, hurricane season is a long five-month stretch starting June 1st and ending November 30th. While the season spans half the year, the most critical period for activity is typically between late August and late October. For the 2026 season, forecasts suggest a 55% probability of a “below normal” season, yet even one major hurricane can be catastrophic for a community.

Know Your Terminology: Watch vs. Warning

A key part of preparation is understanding the alerts issued by the National Weather Service:

Hurricane Watch: This means hurricane-force winds are possible within 48 hours. This is your signal to finish boarding up windows and ready your supplies.
Hurricane Warning: This means hurricane-force winds are expected within 36 hours. At this stage, you should be ready to seek immediate shelter or evacuate if ordered.

Building a “Living” Disaster Plan

Proactive planning is the most effective way to lessen the impact of a disaster. Dr. Lindsay recommends a plan that covers the “Who, What, When, Where, and How” of your family’s response.

Communication: Communication often breaks down during disasters. Don’t rely solely on cell phones; keep a printed list of critical contact numbers and insurance information.
Meeting Places: Establish neighborhood and regional meeting points in case family members are separated.
The Incrementally Built Kit: Don’t wait for a storm to hit the grocery stores. Build your kit over time to avoid the “harried” rushes. Your kit should include:
- Water: At least one gallon per person, per day for 3 to 7 days.
- Food: A 3-to-7-day supply of non-perishable items.
- Pets: Include vaccination records, as these are required for pet-friendly shelters.

“Know Your Zone” and Evacuation

In Florida, evacuation zones (A, B, C, etc.) are determined by your property’s vulnerability to storm surge and wind. You can find your specific zone at Florida’s Division of Emergency Management website.

A common misconception is that “evacuating” means driving hundreds of miles out of the state. Dr. Lindsay notes that you can often find safety simply by driving across your own county to a friend’s home or a shelter that is not in an evacuation zone. If your zone is ordered to evacuate, please do so immediately.

Safety During and After the Storm

Generator Safety: Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near an open window due to carbon monoxide risks. Keep it dry and well-ventilated outside.
Flood Waters: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Just six inches of moving water can sweep you away, and floodwaters often contain hidden debris, bacteria, and hazardous chemicals.
Home Protection: Bring in all outside furniture and trash cans that could become projectiles in 130+ mph winds.

Don’t Forget Your Mental Health

Disasters are inherently stressful. To manage “disaster distress,” Dr. Lindsay suggests:

Including stress-relievers in your kit, such as books, knitting, or coloring materials.
Staying off social media to avoid “doom scrolling” and misinformation.

For more resources and to sign up for local alerts, visit Florida’s Division of Emergency Management website or download the FEMA app. Stay safe this season!

Watch the Recording

If you missed the webinar or would like to revisit the content, you can watch the full recording here.

Additional Resources

Join Us for the Next Webinar: Understanding Florida Homes

The next session in the series will be held on July 15, Understanding Florida Homes: Humidity, Mold, and Energy Use. Florida homes behave differently in heat and humidity. This session explains how to control indoor moisture, prevent mold growth, improve AC efficiency, manage energy costs, and reduce termite and moisture-related risks. Register via Zoom.

Whether you are new to Florida or have lived here for years, this webinar will provide a helpful overview of how Florida’s water resources work. More information please visit UF/IFAS Extension Water Resources Program.