Florida Power & Light (FPL) is urging Floridians to adopt a proactive hurricane‑preparedness plan well before the first watch is issued. The partnership‑driven guide stresses that waiting until a storm is imminent leaves little time for the critical steps that keep families safe and homes intact.
Why Early Planning Matters
South Florida faces one of the nation’s highest hurricane‑return risks. NOAA reports that a hurricane passes within about 50 nautical miles of the region on average every five to seven years. While the timing of any specific storm cannot be predicted, the frequency makes preparation a routine responsibility, not a last‑minute scramble.
Key Questions Your Plan Should Answer
- Where will you go if you need to evacuate?
- How will you get there, and what will you bring?
- What steps will you take if you shelter in place?
- How will you handle an extended power outage?
Answers to these questions form the backbone of a solid emergency strategy.
Know Your Location and Routes
Start by confirming whether your home or business sits in a flood or evacuation zone. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and identify a safe destination—whether it’s a relative’s home, a designated shelter, or a hotel. If you plan to stay put, map out a secure area inside your residence and consider the needs of pets.
Transportation and Fuel
The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends keeping a vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season. Electric‑vehicle owners should maintain a charge between 50 % and 80 % to ensure mobility if charging stations become unavailable.
Medical Equipment and Medically Essential Services
Households that rely on electric‑powered medical devices should contact their local emergency‑management office to learn about resources during an evacuation or prolonged outage. FPL offers a “Medically Essential Service” designation for customers with critical health equipment.
Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit
An effective kit includes several days’ supply of non‑perishable food and bottled water, flashlights, extra batteries, a first‑aid kit, and any prescription medications. Add phone chargers, power banks, and other backup power sources to stay connected.
Protect Important Documents
Store insurance policies, health cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, emergency contacts, and a recent FPL bill in a waterproof container. Having these documents on hand speeds recovery and insurance claims after a storm.
Secure Your Home
Bring patio furniture and other outdoor items indoors to prevent them from becoming dangerous debris. Reinforce doors and windows, and move valuables away from windows or cover them with plastic sheeting to reduce water damage.
Prepare for Power Outages
Unplug unnecessary electronics—including pool equipment—and set refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings to preserve food longer. Never trim trees or vegetation near overhead power lines yourself; hire qualified professionals for any work near utilities.
After the Storm: Safety First
Use extreme caution around electrical hazards. If you operate a portable generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, keep it outdoors, and never connect it directly to your home’s electrical system. Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas, and call 911 immediately if you encounter damaged electrical equipment.
Stay Informed
Bookmark FPL.com, save 1‑800‑4‑OUTAGE (1‑800‑468‑8243) for outage reporting, and follow local news for the latest weather updates. FPL also shares restoration information on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
By treating hurricane preparedness as an ongoing habit, Floridians can protect their families, preserve property, and help emergency crews focus on those most in need when storms strike.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
