How to prep for your first hurricane

Hurricane Preparedness for New Florida Residents By Tracy  Jones, Real Estate Broker – Venice, Fl

If you’re new to Florida, welcome to paradise! But along with the sunshine and salty air comes something you may not be used to yet: hurricane season. As a fellow transplant from Indiana, I understand how overwhelming it can feel preparing for your first storm. I want to give you real, practical advice based on lived experience, not just headlines and hype.

The most important thing you can do is prepare ahead of time so you’re calm, safe, and comfortable no matter what happens. Hurricanes can cause power outages, water interruptions, and road closures. Let’s make sure you’re ready.

Should You Stay or Evacuate?

This is often the hardest decision. Here’s what helped me:

• Listen to Local Officials: If they issue a mandatory evacuation, go. Don’t wait.
• Trust Your Neighbors: If you’re unsure, talk to locals who have weathered storms before.
• Know Your Flood Zone: Visit scgov.net to see if your home is in a surge or flood-prone area.
• Shelter vs. Home: If you have a strong, well-maintained home inland and not in a flood zone, many people choose to stay.
• Avoid Social Media Panic: Get updates from NOAA, FEMA, or Sarasota County Emergency Management, not Facebook threads.

Practical Hurricane Prep Checklist

HOME PREP:

• Secure outdoor furniture, garden décor, wind chimes, and grills
• Board or shutter windows if recommended
• Clean gutters and drains
• Trim weak tree branches
• Fill propane tanks for grills
• Move your car to high ground or garage
• Have cash on hand (ATMs may go down)

SUPPLIES TO STOCK:

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 5-7 days)
• Non-perishable food (canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter)
• Manual can opener
• Pet food, leashes, travel crate
• Puppy pads (in case pets can’t go outside)
• Medications (7-day supply minimum)
• First aid kit
• Bug spray and citronella candles
• Wet wipes, paper towels, tissues
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
• Trash bags and Ziplocs
• Flashlights and headlamps
• Lanterns and rechargeable fans (charge these beforehand)
• Power banks and battery packs
• Portable phone chargers
• Extra batteries (all sizes)
• Important documents in waterproof container
• Dry shampoo and deodorant wipes
• Games, puzzles, cards, books
• Coloring supplies or crafts for kids
• Cooler and ice packs
• Lighter or waterproof matches

STAYING CLEAN AND SANE:

• Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets
• Freeze water bottles to help keep fridge cool if power goes out
• Have comfort snacks & coffee (instant is great in a pinch)
• Create a cozy hurricane “nest” with blankets, pillows, snacks, flashlights

POST-STORM CLEANUP:

• Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes
• Use caution with downed power lines and tree limbs
• Avoid floodwater (can contain bacteria, snakes, fire ants, or debris)
• Take photos of damage for insurance
• Use bug spray before going outside
• Be cautious using chainsaws or power tools

Final Thoughts

Hurricane season is manageable with preparation. Don’t let it scare you out of loving life in Florida. Be kind to yourself as you learn the ropes, and lean on your community. I’m always here as a resource, neighbor, and real estate expert if you need help before or after a storm.

Stay safe and stay smart!

Warmly,
Tracy  Jones
Real Estate Broker | Gulf Shores Realty
Venice, FL

(941)376-3405

realtortracyjones@gmail.com