Published: May 29, 2024
Longtime residents of the Sunshine State know the drill come hurricane season: Keep your gas tank full, your pantry stocked and one eye on the tropics at all times.
They also appreciate the importance of things like having an extra propane tank or plenty of charcoal to grill with during power outages, and filling your bathtub with water before a storm hits so you can flush toilets if water service is knocked out or turned off.
But tens of thousands of newcomers move to Florida every year. In the one-year period ending in July 2023, the state’s population grew by about 365,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That equals an average of about 1,000 people per day.
If you’re a recent transplant, here are some insider tips about hurricane season in Florida:
1. It Doesn’t Have To Be A Hurricane To Be Dangerous
Even a storm that isn’t a hurricane at landfall can be destructive. And deadly.
Two tropical storms that hit Florida in 2021 – Elsa and Fred – made NOAA’s annual list of billion-dollar disasters for the damage they caused. In 2020, Tropical Storm Eta made the list.
Eta dumped between 10 and 20 inches of rain on South Florida, and both it and Fred claimed several lives due to flooding as the storms moved up the U.S. East Coast.
And while hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, named storms can happen any time of the year.
2. Categories Are Just A Guideline
Hurricanes are ranked ranging from Category 1 to Category 5 based on their wind speed under the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, first developed in the early 1970s.
But the scale doesn’t take into account other factors, including storm surge along coastlines and flooding rainfall inland. Those two things kill far more people than wind.
Category 3 Hurricane Idalia in 2023, for example, resulted in up to 12 feet of storm surge along some coastal areas of Florida.
During Hurricane Ian in 2022, several deaths in Florida were connected to flooding in inland areas, some of them far from where the storm came ashore.
3. Know Your Zone
Where needed, Florida counties have designated evacuation zones. Most are identified by letters ranging from A to L, with A being the most vulnerable areas.
Note that these are different than FEMA flood maps.
You can find your evacuation zone – and evacuation route – here.
Separately, people living in low-lying areas or certain types of buildings are also sometimes told to evacuate, regardless of how far they might live from the coast.
The bottom line: If you’re told to go, go. Otherwise, if you are in a sturdy home and don’t rely on electricity for medical care, it’s generally best to stay put and leave the roads open for those who need to get to a safe area.
If you do plan to evacuate, know where you’re headed. If it’s the home of a friend or relative, work out the details with them well ahead of time. Many hotels waive pet restrictions and extra fees and offer flexible reservations with no penalties when a storm is coming.
Shelters are usually opened when evacuation orders are issued, but emergency management officials say they should be a last resort for evacuees. If you plan to rely on a shelter, make sure to check your county’s emergency management website to see what you should (or shouldn’t) bring with you and have those items packed and ready to go throughout hurricane season.
4. Know Your Home
Do you have impact windows? If so, there’s typically no need to board up or worry about hurricane shutters. Sometimes called hurricane windows, they’re designed to withstand a hit by flying debris in certain wind speeds.
Impact windows are required by the building code in many areas, so whether you have them might depend on where you live and when your home was built. For homeowners, this information should have been provided at the time of purchase.
Did hurricane shutters or plywood come with the property? If so, you’ll want to make sure you have all the hardware and tools to install or secure them when the time comes and that you know how to do so. If you are buying shutters or plywood or anything that goes with them, add that to your list of things to purchase well in advance.
Renters should make sure they know their responsibilities in terms of prepping a house or apartment for storms.
Do you have flood insurance? Typical homeowners insurance doesn’t cover water that comes in from outside your home. There’s often a waiting period before flood insurance kicks in, so don’t wait until a storm is coming to buy it.
Flood insurance is separate from what most people call “hurricane insurance” or a “hurricane rider,” which is actually windstorm insurance and is usually added to a regular policy.
5. Stay Safe During Power Outages
Dozens of people have died in the Gulf states in recent years from carbon monoxide poisoning while running portable generators after a hurricane or tropical storm.
Generators should never be used in, near or adjacent to a building or partially enclosed space. They should be at least 20 feet away and never be placed near windows, doors or vents.
If you plan to use a generator, make sure you have battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors for your home.
Heat is also deadly during post-storm power outages, especially for the elderly and those with underlying health issues. People who might need extra assistance during a storm or its aftermath should apply for the Florida Special Needs Registry and reach out to local emergency officials to see what services they might provide.
6. Keep A Supply Kit Stocked And Ready
Emergency officials recommend having at least seven days of nonperishable food and water for every person and pet in your family, plus a two-week supply of any necessary medications.
Every household should also have a “go” kit. This includes things you would take with you if you evacuate. The kit should also include a list of important documents or other things – like phone chargers or pet leashes – that you might want to gather as you leave. Make sure to know where those things are.
Check your county emergency management site for further recommendations.
7. Stay Informed
Know how your county and city send out information, and sign up for text alerts and other communications. Familiarize yourself with relevant websites and terms. Have a NOAA weather radio on hand.
You can also download The Weather Channel app and customize your experience for accurate and timely information.
Now is the time to educate yourself on what you need to know for your particular circumstance. Here’s a reading list to get you started:
-Step-by-Step Guide To Hurricane Prep
-Key Things To Know About Hurricane Season
-Here’s The Deadliest Part Of A Hurricane
-Hurricane Season Terms You Need to Know
–How To Prepare Children For Hurricanes
–How To Plan For Hurricane Season With Pets
Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.