Hurricane season is a part of life in Florida, and a little preparation can go a long way. Whether it’s your first season or your fifteenth, here are 10 key steps you can take now to feel confident and ready when a storm is in the forecast.
1. Build a Hurricane Kit
Stock up on essentials before the rush. Your hurricane kit should include the essentials: bottled water (one gallon per person per day), canned goods and snacks, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and medications. Don’t forget a manual can opener, hygiene items, and backup supplies for infants or elderly family members. Also, be sure to include copies of important documents like insurance papers, IDs, and medical records sealed in a plastic bag. Store your kit in a waterproof container and keep it somewhere that’s easy to grab in a hurry.
2. Set Up Your Generator
If you have a generator, don’t wait until the storm hits to figure out how it works. Test it ahead of time, review the manual, and make sure you have enough fuel stored in a safe, ventilated area. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage, as carbon monoxide can build up quickly and become deadly. Prioritize the items you’ll need to power, like your refrigerator, lights, and phone chargers.
3. Secure the Exterior
Strong winds can turn everyday items like patio furniture, trash cans, or even potted plants into dangerous projectiles. Bring in anything that could be picked up by the wind and store it in a garage or shed. If you don’t have permanent storm shutters, use plywood to cover your windows, cut it to size in advance and store it with the proper screws and tools. Reinforce garage doors and secure any loose fencing or gates while the weather is still clear.
4. Clean Gutters and Drains
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into your roof or walls, even if your home isn’t in a flood zone. During a hurricane or heavy storm, this risk increases significantly as large volumes of rainwater need to drain quickly and efficiently. That’s why it’s important to remove leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, and drains before a storm hits.
5. Charge Up Devices
Make sure you have a few backup charging options ready, like portable battery packs, car chargers, and even a solar-powered charger. Fully charge all your devices before the storm, and limit use to essential communication if the power goes out. For example, texting instead of calling helps conserve bandwidth. Also, save and update emergency contacts, and keep a battery-powered radio handy in case cell service becomes unreliable.
6. Know Your Evacuation Zone
Take a few minutes to look up your evacuation zone on your county’s emergency management website and follow their guidance as a storm approaches. Just because you haven’t flooded before doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. If you’re in Hillsborough County, see the Evacuation Zone Lookup Tool here. Plan your evacuation route in advance of hurricane season in Florida, share it with family, and make sure your gas tank stays at least half full once a storm is on the radar, since fuel might become limited.
7. Entertainment for the Kids
Storms are stressful enough—keeping kids entertained can help bring a sense of normalcy. Stock up on board games, coloring books, puzzles, and storybooks to keep them busy. You can even encourage them to create their own cozy corner with blankets, pillows, books, and favorite snacks. A dedicated space can help kids feel safe, entertained, and more at ease.
8. Plan Ahead for Your Pets
Your furry family members need a plan too. Set aside extra food, bottled water, bowls, and any medications in your emergency kit. Include comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket to help ease anxiety. If you need to evacuate, make sure carriers or leashes are ready to go, and keep up-to-date vaccination records in your waterproof kit. Note that some shelters don’t allow pets, so research pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance.
9. Stay Informed with Reliable Alerts
Sign up for weather alerts from your local news stations and trusted sources like FEMA and the National Hurricane Center. Staying informed in real time helps you act quickly and stay ahead of changing conditions.
10. Use the Penny-in-the-Freezer Trick
This simple tip can help you tell whether your food is still safe after a storm. Fill a small cup with water, freeze it solid, and place a penny on top of the ice. If you return and the penny is at the bottom, your freezer likely thawed and refroze, meaning the food may no longer be safe. It’s a quick and easy way to avoid foodborne illness if power outages last longer than expected.
Built-In Peace of Mind with Casa Fresca
The best defense during hurricane season in Florida is a well-built home, and that’s exactly what Casa Fresca offers. Our homes are built with durable concrete block construction, the latest Florida Building Code standards, and modern roofing and sealing techniques. We choose homesites that are outside of FEMA-designated flood zones and engineer our communities with retention ponds and proper drainage to handle heavy rains. Plus, with newer systems, updated insulation, and better window and door sealing, your Casa Fresca home is more likely to stay cool and dry during extended outages.
Want to learn more about our high-quality construction? Check out our blog Why Buy New? Part II
Casa Fresca Homes builds new home communities across Greater Tampa Bay, Ocala, and Orlando—designed for modern families and built with Florida weather in mind. Schedule your visit today and take the first step toward your fresh start.
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