Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Storm
Monroe County stay safe this Hurricane Season by being prepared!
Make a Family Emergency Plan
Hurricanes can happen quickly, and families may be separated. Create a plan now so everyone knows how to stay safe, communicate, and reunite after the storm.
Your plan should contain:
- Phone numbers of a pre-assigned contact person for family members to call.
- List and contact information of family members, friends, neighbors and physicians.
- A safe place to store important documents in a waterproof container or bag.
- How you will get assistance if needed for older adults or those with functional needs in the home.
- How to turn off the water, gas and electricity safely.
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
- 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
- Toys and games for children
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (45 SPF recommended)
Pet Preparedness During a Hurricane
As you prepare for a storm, don’t forget to include your pets in your emergency plans. If you stay with family, friends, or neighbors, make sure your pets go with you.
If You Stay Home
If you stay home during a storm, keep your family and pets together in a safe area. Use a crate or carrier for your pet, keep their collar and ID tag on, and consider microchipping them in case you become separated. If you live in an evacuation zone, mobile home, or unsafe structure, go to a pet-friendly evacuation center.
Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers
During emergencies, Animal Services operates pet-friendly evacuation shelters. No pre-registration is needed, and shelter information will be shared as necessary. For everyone’s safety, pets will be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian before admission.