Preparing For the 2025 Florida Hurricane Season*

As we move through 2025, Florida residents know all too well that hurricane season is an annual reality that demands serious preparation. With the Atlantic hurricane season officially running from June 1st through November 30th, now is the time to ensure you and your family are ready for whatever Mother Nature might bring our way.

Understanding This Year's Forecast

While long-range hurricane forecasting continues to evolve, meteorologists typically issue their seasonal outlooks in late spring. Regardless of whether forecasters predict an active or quiet season, it only takes one storm making landfall to dramatically impact your life. Florida's unique geography makes it particularly vulnerable, with both Atlantic and Gulf Coast exposure creating multiple potential threat vectors.

Essential Preparation Steps

Create Your Hurricane Kit

Your emergency supply kit should sustain your household for at least seven days, though many emergency management officials now recommend preparing for up to two weeks of self-sufficiency. Your kit should include:

Water and Food:

• One gallon of water per person per day
• Non-perishable food items that require no cooking or refrigeration
• Manual can opener
• Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils

Medical and Safety Items:

• First aid kit with prescription medications
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Whistle for signaling help
• Personal hygiene items

Important Documents:

• Copies of insurance policies, identification, bank records
• Store documents in waterproof containers or cloud storage
• Cash in small bills

Develop Your Family Emergency Plan

Communication is critical when disaster strikes. Your plan should address:

• How family members will contact each other if separated
• Meeting locations both near your home and outside your neighborhood
• Out-of-state contact person who can serve as a central communication hub
• Evacuation routes and destinations
• Special needs for elderly family members, pets, or those with medical conditions

Home Preparation

Insurance Review: Schedule an annual review of your homeowner's and flood insurance policies well before hurricane season begins. Remember that flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so don't wait until a storm is approaching.

Property Maintenance:

• Trim trees and shrubs around your home
• Clear gutters and drains
• Inspect and reinforce your roof
• Install storm shutters or have plywood pre-cut and labeled for quick deployment
• Secure outdoor furniture and decorations

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Florida's county emergency management offices maintain detailed evacuation zone maps. Know your zone and understand the difference between voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders. Mandatory means mandatory—emergency responders may not be able to reach you once conditions deteriorate.

If you live in a mobile home, remember that these structures are particularly vulnerable to high winds and should be evacuated regardless of the evacuation zone designation.

Technology and Communication

Modern technology offers numerous tools for staying informed:

• Download weather apps and enable emergency alerts
• Follow local emergency management social media accounts
• Ensure you have portable phone chargers and consider investing in a solar charger
• Program emergency contact numbers into all family members' phones

Financial Preparation

Hurricanes can disrupt normal banking and commerce for days or weeks. Ensure you have:

• Adequate cash reserves in small bills
• Important financial documents secured
• Photos or video inventory of your belongings for insurance purposes
• Understanding of your insurance coverage and claims process

Special Considerations

Pet Owners: Not all shelters accept pets, and many hotels have restrictions during emergencies. Research pet-friendly evacuation options and ensure your pets have proper identification, carriers, and supplies.

Medical Needs: If you or family members rely on electrically powered medical equipment, contact your power company to be placed on their priority restoration list. Have backup power sources and emergency medical plans in place.

Elderly and Disabled Residents: Many counties maintain special needs registries for residents who may require additional assistance during evacuations. Register early in the season if applicable.

Staying Informed

Reliable information sources during hurricane season include:

• National Hurricane Center: Website 
• Federal Government's Hurricane Season Preparedness Digital Toolkit: https://www.ready.gov/hurricane-toolkit 
• Your local National Weather Service office: Weather Alerts for Sarasota, FL - The Weather Channel | Weather.com
• County emergency management websites: Sarasota County’s mass notification system for rapid emergency updates --> https://www.alertsarasotacounty.com/    Manatee County's alert System --> https://www.mymanatee.org/services-and-amenities/service-listing/service-details/sign-up-for-alert-manatee  
• Local news meteorologists: Bob Harrigan 
• NOAA Weather Radio: NOAA Weather Radio 

Avoid relying solely on social media, as misinformation spreads rapidly during emergencies.

Recovery Planning

Preparation extends beyond the storm itself. Consider how you'll handle:

• Temporary housing if your home is damaged
• Documentation for insurance claims
• Communication with work, school, and family
• Financial resources during the recovery period

FEMA is available to aid in your recovery https://www.fema.gov  as well as other local groups.

The Time to Act is Now

Hurricane preparation isn't something to tackle the weekend before a storm threatens. Supplies become scarce, prices increase, and options diminish as storms approach. The best time to prepare is during the quiet periods when you can make thoughtful decisions without the pressure of an approaching deadline.

Living in Florida means accepting hurricane risk as part of life, but it doesn't mean living in fear. Proper preparation allows you to face hurricane season with confidence, knowing you've done everything possible to protect your family and property.

Remember: it's not a matter of if Florida will face hurricane impacts in 2025, but when. Your preparation today could make all the difference in how well your family weathers the storm.

* For the most current emergency information and resources specific to your area, contact your local emergency management office and stay tuned to official weather sources throughout the hurricane season.