My Florida Florida Public Service Commission
Quick Search:   Advanced Search


Site Map
Interactive Site Map Close
Site Map | Site Index
Home Page > Consumer Assistance > Consumer Portal > Get a Hurricane Plan Now > Hurricane Plan Information

En Español

Hurricane Plan Information




1. Automobile

Plan an evacuation route. Fuel your vehicle. If you evacuate, check your emergency supplies. If time permits, also check on your neighbors.

2. Battery Operated Radio and Flashlights

Purchase a portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries. Also have flashlights and extra batteries on hand. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more detailed information: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

3. Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. Carbon monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil. Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Carbon monoxide detectors require a continuous power supply, so if the power cuts off, then the alarm becomes ineffective. Models are available that offer back-up battery power.

4. Cellular Phones

Cellular phones may be the only source of contact between family and friends. Check cellular phones to make sure they work properly and are charged before the storm. Also, have extra batteries and car chargers available.

5. Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers can become tripped during a major storm. When resetting circuit breakers, wear dry, rubber soled shoes and stand on something dry and non-conductive (dry piece of wood/wooden furniture). If the breakers will not reset or they continue to trip, call a licensed electrician. This condition might indicate a short-circuit in your electrical system. Be very careful around all electrical wires and equipment. If you have any doubts about your home electrical system or are unsure of how to proceed, call a professional, licensed electrician.

6. Cordless Phones

Power disruption may render cordless phones useless. Have at least one traditional corded phone because cordless phones may not function in the event of a power outage.

7. Disaster Supplies Kit

There are basics you should stock in your home. They are water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, sanitation supplies and some tools. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large, clean, covered trash container; a camping backpack; or a duffle bag.

Keep the following records in a waterproof, portable container:
  1. Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  2. Other important family documents (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  3. Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
  4. Bank account numbers
  5. Credit card account numbers and companies
  6. Inventory of valuable household goods
  7. Important telephone numbers
  8. Photocopies of credit and identification cards
For more detailed information: Federal Emergency Management Agency

8. Displaced Wildlife

After the storm, beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.

9. Downed Power Line

Power lines can be knocked down during a hurricane. Watch for downed power lines when you approach your home. Consider all power lines energized and call your utility company to report fallen power lines that you feel present a clear and imminent danger to you or others.

For more detailed information: American Red Cross

10. Electric Meter and Weatherhead

If your home is served by overhead power lines, look at the metal pipe above your electric meter where the power line is or would be connected to your house. This is called the weatherhead and it is part of your home wiring system and can become damaged during a hurricane. There could be damage to the power line to your home, the meter box or the equipment carrying the wire to your meter. If you see damage to the weatherhead or the meter, call a licensed electrician for repairs before you receive power.

For more information: Who is responsible for Fixing What?

11. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit should include:
  1. Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  2. Sterile gauze pads and bandages
  3. Adhesive tape
  4. Sterile roller bandages
  5. Scissors
  6. Tweezers
  7. Needle
  8. Moistened towelettes
  9. Antiseptic
  10. Thermometer
  11. Assorted sizes of safety pins
  12. Cleansing agent/soap
  13. Latex gloves (2 pair)
  14. Sunscreen
  15. Prescription & Non-prescription drugs
  16. Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
  17. Anti-diarrhea medication
  18. Antacid (for stomach upset)
  19. Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
  20. Laxative
  21. Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
  22. A basic first aid manual (Contact your local American Red Cross chapter)
For more detailed information: Florida Division of Emergency Management

12. Main Water Valve

A main water valve, often located by the curb, will allow you to shut off the water to your home in case of emergency.

13. Outdoor Objects

Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, garden tools, and hoses. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. Porch roofs, carports, screen enclosures, awnings, canopies, air conditioner compressors, satellite dishes, antennas, solar water heater elements and other roof-top equipment can be damaged by strong winds and frequently this will lead to damage to the main part of your house. Some manufacturers make kits for anchoring their equipment. If not, you may be able to make your own and use the manufacturers’ own cover screw attachment points to anchor the equipment. All it may take is a few right angle brackets to connect the equipment to a concrete slab, a wood porch, or a wall. There need to be enough brackets to resist wind forces from all directions.



14. Oxygen Generator (medically essential)

If someone in your house is dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining medical equipment, review your "family" emergency plan for back-up power or make arrangements to relocate.

15. Pets

Before evacuating, check with the local shelter to determine if pets are allowed and under what conditions (carrier needed, type of pet, and size restrictions). If not, check with your local animal shelter or animal hospital for options.

16. Portable Generator

Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. Keep generators away from all open windows (including your neighbor’s) to avoid fumes from going into a house. Never run generators inside, or in a garage. Gasoline-powered generators produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes. If you have a generator, also have a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring, unless the generator was professionally installed for that purpose. Power from a generator connected to a home's wiring will "back feed" into utility lines, potentially injuring severely or killing a neighbor or utility crew working to restore service. Never refuel a hot generator or one that is running.

For more generator safety information: Florida Division of Emergency Management

17. Refrigerator

Power outages can result in spoilage of fresh and frozen foods in a refrigerator/freezer. If you are anticipating a power outage, turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh if you experience a power outage. Be sure to avoid opening and closing them during the outage.

18. Shutters

If a large window or door is broken open, the overall uplift forces that are trying to lift the roof off your house may be doubled. Research has shown that protecting the windows and doors can raise the wind speed required to lift your roof off your house. A good way to protect your existing windows and doors from damage in hurricanes is to install impact-resistant shutters over all windows and glass doors.

19. Water Supply

Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils. You should have at least a three-day supply of water and you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. Also, be sure to have enough water for cooking and general cleaning.

For more information: Federal Emergency Management Agency