Last Updated on August 29, 2023
Interested in the best hurricane resources in Florida? We have you covered.
One of the trade-offs for living in Florida is the threat of natural disasters like hurricanes and tropical storms, so it’s critical to know where to turn to for help.
We have compiled a list of some of the top hurricane resources in Florida so you can prepare and stay on top of the latest developments.
It’s essential to know the basics like the difference between a Watch and a Warning and where to get pertinent information.
Florida Hurricane Information Resources
Prepare for the Hurricane
Hurricane Preparation Checklist
- Build an Emergency Binder for important documents.
- Lift all electronics off of the floor in case of flooding.
- Charge all devices.
- Install batteries and test flashlights and lanterns.
- Be aware of your evacuation zone and have a to-go bag prepped if you’re in an evacuation zone. (Find your Florida Disaster Evacuation Zone.)
- Add sandbags to the entryways of your home if you are in a flood zone. (Find your flood zone on the FEMA Flood Maps.)
- Confirm all pets have collars with proper tags attached to them.
- Check windows/doors for leaks. – Storms bring in a great deal of rain. Check for leaks and fix them if possible.
- Charge all cleanup tools. – You may need items such as a power drill or a chainsaw. Make sure the batteries for these are charged to help with cleanup after the storm.
- Clean and prep the grill. – If you lose power, you will need to have the grill available for cooking. Make sure it is clean and ready.
Emergency 30-Day Medication Refills
In the case of a hurricane in Florida, you can fill a 30-day supply of your medication. You still have to pay any applicable co-pays or deductibles.
Filling prescriptions helps you to have your needed medication(s) in case of a loss of power or access to a pharmacy.
The following requirements exist:
- Must be under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service; or
- Must be under a state of emergency executive order declared by the Governor; or
- The state activated its emergency operations center/emergency management plan
Florida Blood Banks
One of the most important times for blood donations is before a storm. Florida has many blood banks that step in and are available in a crisis.
Take the time to donate blood at any of the blood bank locations linked below.
LifeSouth link
OneBlood link
SunCoast Blood link
Florida Division of Emergency Management / “FLSERT”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management ensures that the Sunshine State is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate against their impacts.
FLSERT or SERT is the Florida State Emergency Response Team. They are part of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Link to Florida Disaster Website
When on FloridaDisaster.org, check out the “Plan & Prepare” Tab. Resources include:
- Shelter Information: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters/
- Disaster Preparedness Maps: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disaster-preparedness-maps/
- Keep your disaster supply kit stocked with enough necessities for 7+ days.
- Find a full checklist at FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.
State Assistance Information Line / “SAIL” Hotline: 1-800-342-3557
The SAIL Information Line is activated during the time of an emergency. They are able to help Floridians with up-to-date information regarding the emergency situation.
Florida Governor Official State Updates / Announcements
Link to Florida Governor Official State Website
- Press releases: https://www.flgov.com/category/news-releases/
National Hurricane Center (NHC)
The National Hurricane Center is one of the best places to get current storm and updated tracking information.
You can also get key messages, arrival times, wind speeds, storm surges, and more.
Link to Idalia Information
Link to National Hurricane Center
Link to U.S. National Weather Service (NWS)
Florida hurricanes typically affect several U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) offices. Make sure you’re following the right one for where you live or are visiting in Florida.
Go to http://weather.gov/socialmedia and type in your city. The website links you to the correct #NWS office providing a website, phone number, email address, and social media pages in your area.
FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA is a United States government agency tasked with coordinating responses to natural disasters and other complex emergencies. It was established in 1979, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with 20,000 employees nationwide.
FEMA works closely with other federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to provide disaster relief, recovery assistance, and preparedness programs.
Link to Official FEMA Website (Florida – Region 4)
- Use this page to find local disaster recovery centers, flood maps, fact sheets, FEMA contacts, jobs, and other resources.
- Press release for Hurricane Idalia
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging offers a variety of resources. Some of these include:
- Restaurant-specific disaster guides
- Business disaster planning toolkit
- Food safety during hurricanes
Link to Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Website
FBHA – Florida Hurricane Resource Center
The FBHA is focused on the mental and behavioral health of Floridians before, during, and after hurricanes.
Link to FBHA Florida Hurricane Resource Center Website
American Red Cross
Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.
- Take the Hurricane Preparedness Quiz
- NOTE: You can narrow it down to the current crisis, Idalia
Link to American Red Cross Website.
Florida Dept of Education / School Closure Info
The Florida Department of Education website features information on school closures and/or delays.
It is broken down by county and includes colleges.
Link to Florida Department of Education Website
Florida State Park Updates & Closures
This is the official website for the Florida State Parks. Find out which parks are closed before, during, and after the storm.
Link to Florida State Parks Website
Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Take advantage of the Florida Sales Tax Holiday for Disaster Preparedness. It’s happening NOW until September 8, 2023.
Link to Florida Revenue Disaster Prep website
Download Free Hurricane Apps
Red Cross Emergency App
Keep you and your loved ones safe with real-time alerts, shelter locations, and safety advice.
The Red Cross First Aid app provides instant access to information on handling the most common emergencies.
Link to Red Cross Apps.
My Hurricane Tracker
The app gives you the most comprehensive tools for tracking storms and weather warnings available.
With a beautiful interface, you won’t be overwhelmed with cluttered screens like you might with other apps.
Link to Hurricane Tracker app
Radio App
This app offers you the ability to listen to local weather updates from your phone without using as much data or battery.
Link to Radio App.
Zello App
This is a push-to-talk walkie-talkie that lives on your phone, delivering unlimited and secure private channels and crystal-clear broadcasts over cell networks and Wi-Fi.
Link to Zello App.
Stay safe, Authentic Floridians! Feel free to check in with us on our Authentic Florida Facebook page or in the comments below.
Here’s a little humor, although hurricanes are to be taken VERY seriously.
