Plan & Prepare
While living in and visiting Florida offers many benefits and advantages, it is important to keep in mind severe weather hazards and potential threats. Every family and business should have predefined emergency plans and always keep an emergency supply kit ready and stocked.
Each Florida county has a designated emergency management program, and residents, businesses, and visitors should also visit their county's emergency management for the most up-to-date and locally significant information.
Disaster preparedness does not need to be complicated! Make A Plan that considers the WHO, WHAT, WHERE and HOW:
- WHO are your emergency contacts?
- WHAT does your household need?
- WHERE will you shelter or evacuate to?
- HOW will you accomplish your plan?
Consider your specific personal needs and build an individualized disaster supply kit with items to last you at least 7 days. Find a complete disaster supply kit checklist here.
If you have any medical needs, consider signing up for the Special Needs Registry.
Here's what you need to get ready for an emergency or disaster:
- Get Informed: Know about the specific hazards that threaten your community (hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, etc.). It is also important to be familiar with you local emergency management office, as well as available local resources. More information on your local emergency management office can be found here.
- Create a Emergency Kit: Your emergency kit kit should have supplies specific to your needs. A complete list of suggested items can be found at our Disaster Supply Kit Checklist page.
- Keep a Copy: Make copies of IDs and important documents and store in a safe place or in your Disaster Supply Kit.
For more information on how to Make A Plan, visit Ready.gov/Plan.
Useful Links
Alerts
AlertFlorida
Florida Highway Patrol
Ready.gov Alerts
Shelters
Ready.gov Shelter
FloridaDisaster.org Shelter Information
Evacuation
Know Your Zone
Ready.Gov Evacuation
Special Needs
Hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding are just a few of the many hazards Floridians are subject to - don't wait until disaster strikes, develop a family plan today! To get started, visit Make A Family Plan.
Did you know that 40 percent of businesses never re-open their doors post-disaster? Don't become a statistic. Protect your business by developing a business disaster plan. Visit Make A Business Plan to get started today.
If you live in a manufactured home there are steps that can be taken to better protect your property and recover efficiently after a disaster. Find tips specific to Floridians with manufactured homes at Make A Plan For Manufactured Homes.
When planning for hurricane season, it is important to Make A Plan for each member of your household INCLUDING pets! For preparedness information specifically for pet-owner, visit Make A Pet Plan.
An emergency or disaster may present unique challenges for people with disabilities and special needs. If you or someone you care for has a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to prepare yourself and your family. Find additional resources at Make a Plan for Persons with Access and Functional Needs.
