Introduction

A new hurricane season brings a familiar question: Are you ready if chaos crosses your path? While no two storm seasons are the same, your priority remains unchanged – to protect what matters most.

Although the forecast for the 2026 hurricane season suggests it will be below normal, with about two major storms of Category 3 or higher, it only takes one storm in our vicinity to make it an active season here! Recent history is a reminder of the devastation hurricanes can cause, even far beyond the shoreline.

Hurricanes don’t have to make landfall where you live to disrupt your routine – or your life. The highest-frequency hurricane areas include coastal North Carolina, South Florida, and Southeast Louisiana, with about one every five to seven years.

Before Mother Nature throws her worst at us, if you have a generator, it’s best to ensure it is serviced and ready to power your home.

The cost of a power outage can mount up!

• Lodging costs per night $110
• Restock refrigerator $250
• Flooded basement or ground floor $26,807

The best time to prepare for a storm is well before it happens. Stay ahead of any weather event with the supplies and information you need to keep you and yours ready for anything.

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Some useful tips

Photograph your expensive possessions.

Check your Carbon Monoxide and smoke alarms are fully functional.

Ensure you have an emergency medical kit, and things like flashlights, a radio that does not require electrical power, food items that do not require refrigeration, and water.

• Make sure you have any pharmaceutical or other medical products you take with around a month’s supply.

Remember, food in your refrigerator is only safe to eat for about 4 hours without electricity. Beyond that, the recommendation is to discard meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers.

• A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for 48 hours (24 hours if half full). These times are only true if the appliance door remains closed.

Help keep children as calm as possible before, during, and after a hurricane with a little guidance and reassurance to ease fears and stress.

• Talk about your safety or evacuation plans before a storm arrives.
• Let them help gather supplies and feel part of the process. Keep in constant communication during a storm or hurricane. Talk through what you’re experiencing and share your plans for what happens after the storm.
• Pack water, snacks, and first aid items, including bandages and antibiotic ointment. Include toys, games, and other comfort itemsthat don’t require power.

If you live in an apartment or condominium

Consider Portable Power Stations: they produce zero emissions, are safe for indoor use, and the GB2000 can power a 120W refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Pet safety

When preparing for a hurricane, keep your four-legged family members in mind as well. The ASPCA estimates that one-third of cat and dog owners don’t have a pet disaster plan, leading to last-minute stress during evacuations.

While Lee County shelters accept pets, not all hotels or out of county shelters do. And those that do require you bring all your own supplies. If you decide to stay home, continue to monitor any evacuation notices. Emergency kits for pets should include:

• 7 days of food and water (with a can opener, if needed).
• Medication for one week.
• Pet carrier/kennel.
• Extra leash.
• Photo of you and your pet together to prove ownership.
• Pet ID tags, rabies vaccination tag, and collar.
• Medical or vaccination records to share with a pet-friendly shelter.

Additional suggestions:

• Getting your pet microchipped (talk to your vet).
• Placing a rescue alert sticker on your door if you shelter in place, letting responders know there’s a pet inside.
• Write “EVACUATED” on any alert sticker if you choose to leave.
• Slowly reintroduce your pet(s) to a disheveled home if you evacuated to reduce stress and unknown dangers.

Before the storm

• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.
• Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for sanitation purposes.
• Turn off and properly secure outdoor grill propane tanks.
• Unplug small appliances in the rooms you do not plan to use during a storm.
• Charge cell phones.
• Check the yard and landscaping for any trees that should be trimmed, clear gutters, and bring in outside items if high winds can pick them up.
• Fill gas cans in the event of an evacuation or to run a portable generator.
• Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8-inch plywood.
• Reinforce garage doors using a door bracing kit.

When evacuating

• Know where you’re going. Plan primary and alternative routes.
• Create an evacuation destination with a backup location in mind.
• Listen to orders at least twice to determine driving directions.
• Grab your emergency kit in anticipation of long power outages.
• Bring backup maps/directions in the event mobile services aren’t available.
• Unplug appliances, turn off water at the main valve, and deactivate electricity at the breaker box.
• Pack your vehicle and go to your designated evacuation spot or backup location.
• Turn on the radio to stay tuned to emergency bulletins.
• Stick to evacuation routes.

After the storm

Do not return before local authorities recommend doing so

• Whether sheltered in place or returning, stay alert for potential damage and dangers, including post-storm rain that can produce flooding.

• If your home is seriously damaged, leave immediately and report it to local authorities.
• If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and report it to local authorities.
• Check on neighbors.

• Report downed power lines to the utility company and local police/fire departments.

• Take photos of your home, yard, and street.

• Contact your insurance.

• Do not drive on closed roads – avoid flash-flooding or downed power lines.

• Consider hiring contractors to clean up large debris to avoid personal injury.

• Keep receipts for reimbursement through insurance or government programs.

• If power is out, unplug all major appliances before turning the electricity back on to minimize surge damage.

• If your home floods, have a professional electrician check the residence before turning electricity on.

• Save all phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.