Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Storm

Create a Hurricane Supply Kit

Prepare an emergency supply kit with essentials your family may need during or after a storm. Keep everything in one safe place and make sure all family members know where to find it.

• Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags.
• Gather the kit’s items in easy-to-carry containers or duffel bags. Put them within reach, near the exit you use most often.
• Check and update your kit at least once a year.

Your hurricane supply kit should contain:

• 7-day supply of non-perishable foods
• 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day, including pets)
• A manual can opener
• Battery-powered portable television or radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Sanitation and hygiene items, such as instant hand sanitizing gel, disinfectant wipes, moist towelettes, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves
• Thermometer with batteries, if required
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Whistle
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
• Cash
• Extra clothing, blankets and sleeping bags
• Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory, credit cards and your utility bill
• Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, adoption certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, Social Security cards, passport, green cards, will, insurance policies (home, auto, life, health, etc.), bank statements
• Prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution and hearing aid
• Batteries
• Type ABC fire extinguisher
• Telephone that is not dependent on electricity and/or a cell phone
• Formula, baby food, diapers and pacifiers
• Pet carriers, leashes, shot records, and food for each animal evacuating with you
• Tire repair kit, booster cables, pump and flares
• Toys and games for children
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen (45 SPF recommended)

Pet Preparedness During a Hurricane

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Whatever preparation plans you make for yourself, remember to include your pets. If you’re riding out the storm in the home of a family member, friend or neighbor, take your pets with you.

If You Stay Home

If you stay at home, remember to stay together. Keep your pet in a crate or carrier and find a safe area where you will all be together. Keep their collar and tag on in case you get separated. It’s always best to microchip your pets since they tend to lose their collars.

Pet owners residing in an evacuation zone, unsafe structure or trailer are encouraged to come to a pet-friendly evacuation center.

Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers

Animal Services operates pet-friendly shelters during emergencies. Pre-registration is not required to use the evacuation center. Evacuation centers will be announced as needed. 

Upon arrival at the center, pets will be examined by a licensed veterinarian to determine if the pet presents a safety risk. Any pet deemed a risk will not be allowed to enter the evacuation center.