Build Your Hurricane Emergency Kit Before the Next Storm
Florida’s hurricane season runs from June through November, and storms can escalate quickly. For homeowners across SW Florida, including Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, Bradenton, and Venice, having a well-stocked emergency kit is not optional : it is essential. The time to prepare is now, before the next hurricane makes landfall and store shelves are empty.
After 20+ years of responding to hurricane emergencies across SW Florida, our technicians at WrightWay have seen how preparation separates a manageable situation from a crisis. The families who fare best after a storm are almost always the ones who prepared before it arrived. Here is a comprehensive checklist of the 10 must-have items every Florida household should have ready before storm season.
1. Water Supply
FEMA recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. If you have the storage space, aim for a full week’s supply for each person in the home, plus water for pets. Store water in a cool, dry area in commercially bottled containers or sealed, food-grade containers. For a family of four, that means 28 gallons for a week : plan your storage accordingly.
2. Non-Perishable Food
Hurricanes frequently cause power outages lasting several days. Stock up on foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking: canned beans, tuna, soup, granola bars, peanut butter, dried fruit, and crackers. Keep a manual can opener in your kit : electric openers are useless without power.
3. First Aid Kit
Emergency services will be overwhelmed after a major hurricane, so access to professional medical treatment may be delayed. Your first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, medical tape, tweezers, and gloves. Store a backup supply of prescription medications in a waterproof container. If anyone in your household relies on refrigerated medication, plan ahead with your pharmacy for emergency storage options.
4. Flashlights and Extra Batteries
Avoid relying on candles during a power outage : open flames pose a fire risk, especially in storm-damaged homes. LED flashlights, headlamps, and battery-powered lanterns are safer and longer-lasting alternatives. Store plenty of extra batteries in a dry bag or sealed container.
5. Portable Power Bank or Solar Charger
A power outage cuts off your ability to communicate, get updates, and call for help. Keep at least one fully charged power bank per household member, and consider a small solar charger for extended outages when grid power may be down for a week or more.
6. NOAA Weather Radio
An emergency weather radio keeps you updated on storm progress and evacuation orders when the internet and cell towers are down. Choose one with battery, hand-crank, and solar power options so you always have access to critical information. The NOAA Weather Radio station for the Sarasota and Fort Myers area is KEC82 at 162.475 MHz.
7. Important Documents
Store copies of identification, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account information in a waterproof pouch or sealed plastic bag. Also store digital copies on an encrypted flash drive. Having immediate access to your insurance policy number can speed up the claims process after storm damage. Include your homeowner’s insurance and flood insurance policy numbers, your agent’s contact information, and a home inventory list with photos of valuable items.
8. Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies
Include wet wipes, hand sanitizer, trash bags, feminine hygiene products, diapers if needed, and toilet paper. These basic items help maintain cleanliness and prevent illness during extended outages when water service may be interrupted.
9. Tools and Safety Gear
A basic toolkit is invaluable after a hurricane. Include screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, a utility knife, and a multipurpose tool for essential repairs. Add work gloves, safety glasses, and a whistle to signal for help if needed. A small tarp and bungee cords can provide temporary protection for a damaged roof or broken window until professional help arrives.
10. Comfort Items
In stressful situations, small comforts matter. Pack books, puzzles, games, or other items to keep children and adults occupied during long hours sheltering in place.
Extra Tips for Florida Homeowners
- Rotate supplies yearly : Check expiration dates on food, medicine, and batteries at the start of each hurricane season
- Include pet needs : Food, leashes, carriers, medications, and vaccination records
- Plan for evacuation : Have a go-bag packed and ready in case you need to leave quickly
- Know your zone : Check your county’s evacuation zone map and identify your nearest shelter
What to Do Immediately After the Storm
Once the storm passes and it is safe to assess your property, take these steps to protect yourself and your insurance claim:
- Stay out of severely damaged structures until you can confirm they are safe to enter
- Document all damage with photos and video before moving or cleaning anything : this documentation is critical for your insurance claim
- Cover roof damage with tarps to prevent further water intrusion
- Call a licensed restoration company to begin emergency mitigation : under Florida law, you have a duty to mitigate further damage, and failing to do so can reduce your claim payout. A professional restoration company documents damage thoroughly and begins mitigation immediately, providing the evidence your insurance claim needs.
- Contact your insurance company to report the loss and start the claims process with the professional documentation your restoration company has gathered
Our technicians frequently see homeowners who waited too long after a storm to begin mitigation, allowing mold growth to develop within 48 to 72 hours. Fast action in the first 24 hours after damage occurs makes a significant difference in both restoration costs and insurance claim outcomes.
When Storm Damage Strikes, Call WrightWay
Even the best preparation cannot prevent all storm damage. When your SW Florida home sustains hurricane damage, WrightWay Emergency Services (CBC1253650) provides 24/7 emergency response, including water extraction, structural drying, board-up services, and full restoration. Our IICRC-certified technicians arrive with commercial-grade equipment and begin documentation for your insurance claim from the first moment on site. Call (941) 379-8669 to reach our emergency team any time, day or night.
