Are you ready for a hurricane? How to prepare for Florida storm season

Hurricane preparedness kit. UF/IFAS photo by Tyler Jones

Hurricane season officially starts June 1, but it’s never too early to prepare. As a matter of fact, meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center are already issuing daily reports about tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean amid a seven-year streak of pre-season storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts an above-normal Atlantic season, with 14 to 21 name storms – compared with 14 in an average – and three to six major hurricanes, rated Category 3 or higher.

Whether you’re new to Florida or need a refresher on how to prepare, UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is here to help with research-based information and other support for communities across Florida.

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.

Have a specific question? Want to know how to prepare?

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

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 and have the supplies you need. With disruptions to supply chains for various products likely to continue, you may want to stock up sooner rather than later Find tips on drinking water, food safety, pets, finances and more. Find tips on drinking water, food safety, pets, finances and more.