Is Your Hurricane Plan Strong Enough? Find Out Now...

Dear Road Trippers,

We’re taking a break from exploring the beauty of the Keys to focus on something just as important—hurricane preparedness. Living in paradise comes with its own set of challenges, and when a storm’s brewing, it’s no time to take chances. The key to staying safe? Being ready before the winds pick up. Let’s talk about what you need to do to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

Building Your Emergency Kit: No Corners Cut

Your emergency kit isn’t just a box of supplies—it’s your lifeline when things go sideways. Think of it as your survival gear for the next 72 hours after a storm hits. And no, two bottles of water and a flashlight won’t cut it.

• Water: You’ll need at least one gallon of water per person per day. A three-day supply is the minimum, but if space allows, aim for a week.

• Non-perishable food: Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and energy bars. And don’t forget a manual can opener—electric ones won’t work if the power’s out.

• Flashlights and batteries: Your power will go out, so having multiple light sources is critical. Solar-powered options can be great too.

• Portable phone chargers: Fully charged and, if possible, solar-powered. When cell towers are down, your phone’s battery becomes precious.

• First-aid kit: Make sure it’s fully stocked with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

• Whistle: It’s more than just for show—this is a critical tool to signal for help.

• Personal hygiene items: Include sanitary products, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and garbage bags for waste disposal.

• Important documents: Copies of insurance policies, IDs, and bank account information should be sealed in a waterproof container. If you’re tech-savvy, back them up to the cloud as well.

Double-check your kit, triple-check it, and don’t wait until the last minute. Missing something important during a hurricane can make a bad situation even worse.

Fortify Your Home Like a Fortress

Your home is your sanctuary, but during a hurricane, it can turn into a battleground. With wind speeds that can send projectiles flying, even small items can become dangerous. Here’s how to defend your castle:

• Board up windows: If you can’t install hurricane shutters, plywood is your next best option. Cover all windows, and don’t forget the back door!

• Reinforce doors: Your exterior doors, including the garage door, need to be hurricane-proof. Consider installing extra bracing if your doors aren’t built for storm-force winds.

• Secure outdoor items: Bring in anything that’s not bolted down—lawn furniture, planters, grills, even your doormats. These things can turn into missiles in high winds.

• Trim your trees: Low-hanging or weak branches can snap and become dangerous projectiles. Trim them before the storm threatens.

• Turn off utilities: Shutting down gas, electricity, and water can prevent fires, electrocution, and flooding if damage occurs during the storm. Know where your shutoff valves and circuit breakers are located.

When you take the time to properly secure your home, you reduce the risk of major damage. It’s not just about the structure—it’s about keeping your family safe inside.

Communication is Key: Have a Plan

You never know what kind of damage a hurricane will do to communication lines. You could find yourself separated from family members or without phone service. Don’t wait until the storm hits to figure it out—plan ahead.

• Designate a meeting point: Choose a safe location where everyone can regroup if you’re separated. Make sure it’s outside of flood zones.

• Use a NOAA weather radio: When cell towers are down, a battery-powered NOAA radio can provide critical updates. Don’t rely on your phone for everything.

• Out-of-state contact: Choose a trusted person who lives far outside the storm’s reach to serve as a point of contact for family members. They can relay messages if local lines go down.

• Stay tuned for updates: Make sure to following https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for updates to approaching storms.

Having a communication plan isn’t just smart—it can be lifesaving. Make sure everyone knows the plan, and keep that weather radio handy for real-time updates.

Evacuate Like a Pro: No Heroics Here

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, it’s not a suggestion. Get out early, and get out fast. You might be tempted to stick around and "ride it out," but there’s nothing heroic about risking your life.

• Know your evacuation route: Have it memorized and practiced. GPS is great, but if tech fails, you’ll need to rely on good old-fashioned paper maps.

• Pack your go-bag: It should have all the essentials, including water, food, medications, and important documents. Think of it as your mobile survival kit.

• Leave early: Traffic will be a nightmare the longer you wait. Don’t get caught in gridlock as the storm closes in. Evacuating early means avoiding the stress of last-minute scrambling.

Waiting until the last minute is dangerous, and you don’t want to be stuck in the path of a hurricane with no way out.

After the Storm: The Calm After the Chaos

Just because the hurricane has passed doesn’t mean the danger is over. In the aftermath, there are still plenty of hazards you need to watch out for.

• Stay indoors until you know it’s safe: Downed power lines, floodwaters, and debris can still pose serious threats. Avoid heading outside until officials say it’s okay.

• Inspect your home cautiously: If you spot structural damage, don’t go near it—call a professional. Check for gas leaks or exposed electrical wiring before turning utilities back on.

• Avoid floodwaters: Even if the floodwater looks shallow, it can be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or debris. Worse yet, it could be electrified by downed power lines.

Your safety is the top priority, even when the skies clear. Take it slow, and don’t rush the recovery.

The Takeaway: Be Smart, Be Ready

Here in the Keys, we know hurricanes are inevitable. But you can’t control the weather—you can control your preparation. Follow these steps, keep your loved ones safe, and remember: “The storm doesn’t last forever, but the damage can.”

Reply with “LET'S GO!” if your hurricane plan is locked and loaded. And if you need help or more tips, let us know—we’re here to make sure you stay safe through the storm.

Stay prepared and stay safe,
Brian

Florida Keys Road Trip Team