Florida Hurricane Preparedness: Your Guide to Weathering the Storm
Updated: Sep 6
Florida's hurricane season runs from June through November, and the families who weather it best are the ones who prepared before a storm was ever on the radar. This checklist covers the basics every Florida household should have in place.
Build a Supply Kit Before You Need One
At least 7 days of non-perishable food and water per person
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates
Flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger
A basic first aid kit and any regular medications
Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
Know Your Evacuation Zone
Florida's counties are divided into evacuation zones, and your zone determines whether and when local officials recommend you leave. Look up your zone before hurricane season starts, not while a storm is already approaching, when official evacuation zone lookup tools tend to slow down under heavy traffic.
Plan Your Transportation in Advance
If you don't have a reliable personal vehicle, or if your household includes elderly family members, young children, or anyone with mobility needs, figure out your transportation plan before hurricane season, not during it. Charter bus evacuation services, like the ones Maze Transportation provides across Central Florida, fill up fast once a storm is forecast, so an established plan matters.
Prepare Your Home
Trim trees and secure loose outdoor furniture
Know how to shut off your home's water, gas, and electricity
Have a plan for storm shutters or plywood if your windows aren't impact-rated
Make a Family Communication Plan
Agree in advance on how family members will check in with each other if a storm separates you, especially if some family members evacuate while others stay behind or are traveling out of town when a storm forms. Choose an out-of-state contact everyone can reach, since long-distance calls sometimes connect more easily than local ones when cell networks are overloaded.
Make sure every household member, including kids old enough to understand, knows the evacuation zone, the planned destination, and how to reach the designated contact if you get separated.
Stay Informed
Follow the National Hurricane Center and your local county emergency management office for official updates. When a storm does approach, having your supplies, evacuation route, and transportation already sorted out means you can focus on your family instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a family finalize their hurricane preparedness plan?
Before the season starts, ideally by early June, so supplies and evacuation logistics are ready rather than arranged last minute.
What transportation options exist if a family doesn't own a vehicle large enough for everyone and pets?
Charter and evacuation bus services, like those offered by Maze Transportation, can move larger households and groups together when advance notice is given.
How much notice does an evacuation bus service need?
As much as possible. Storm tracking gives several days' warning in most cases, and earlier contact means better scheduling certainty.
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