The clock is ticking on hurricane season

The subtropical Atlantic Ocean has been eerily quiet so far this year, but Floridians who have lived here a while knows the calm is unlikely to last. If you haven’t done so already, this is the time to do your hurricane preparations.

NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher).

(NOAA/NWS)

Thus, if NOAA’s predictions hold up, we could be in for some rough weather in the coming months.

Preparing now doesn’t mean simply buying an eight-pack of AA batteries and buying a case of bottled water, says Jami McCormick, the public information officer and training and exercise planner for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management

“Being prepared is about more than just staying safe,” McCormick says. “It’s about making sure you are aware of the risks in our particular area and how you can minimize risks.”

For residents of Amelia Island, in particular, preparation is paramount. The island has only two bridges and, as of a few weeks ago, only one full-capacity grocery store. Moreover, federal funding cutbacks mean National Weather Service staffing has been reduced, and the Trump administration has spoken of reconfiguring the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

McCormick says NWS offices in this region have not experienced staffing cutbacks. But she stresses that people are personally responsible for storm preparation.

 “The key message is don’t wait to prepare,” she says. “Prepare early, and make sure you are staying informed.”

Know Your Zone

A common mistake residents make in a storm is not knowing what zone they live in, and not knowing their evacuation route. Nassau County has an easy-to-use website to help residents with storm preparation, including identifying your zone, McCormick says.

“There have been some updates to the property appraiser’s website that make it easier to find your evacuation zone,” she says. “It is much more user-friendly.”

Another smart tactic is to sign up for alerts at Alert Nassau. Alert Nassau is part of the Florida statewide mass notification system. Users will receive information on what’s happening in their zone and what actions to take, she says.

The NWS also has an alert system that can be customized, McCormick says. For example, boaters can receive water-related alerts.

If evacuation orders are issued, users can find their routes on OneNassau as well as information on shelters.

“Any time there is an evacuation ordered we will open shelters that provide people with a safe place to stay for the duration of the storm,” McCormick says. “All of our shelters are pet-friendly. People don’t want to leave their homes because they don’t want to leave their pets at home.”

If you or a family member is medically fragile or has special medical needs, register at the Florida Special Needs Registry to receive updates from local emergency officials and to help local officials prepare to help you address special needs in an emergency.

Prepare Your Home

Well before a storm is on the horizon, Florida residents should have storm supplies and an evacuation plan, McCormick says.

“Decide what it is you are going to do,” she says. “Where are you going to go? What would you take? Think of a secondary route. Having contingency plans already in place so you don’t have to make decisions quickly.”

Have a family discussion about who to call in the event of an emergency. Have supplies packed and ready — whether you stay at home or evacuate. Take the time before hurricane season begins to document your valuable possessions: photos, serial numbers or anything else that you may need to provide your insurance company when filing a claim.

Preparation also means securing your property, say officials with the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. Cut weak or precarious tree branches. Make sure your storm shutters are in good working order. Seal cracks or gaps in your house. Move or secure anything in the yard that can blow away. Clean gutters and downspouts. Decide whether you should purchase a generator, sump pump and hoses. Read safety guidelines for operating a generator. Purchase a power bank to charge your phone after the initial charge has expired. Have a phone charger for your car.

Remember to charge your devices in advance of a storm. During the storm, conserve your phone’s battery by using the battery-saver mode, reducing the phone’s brightness or turning off Wi-Fi if you’re on the road.

It’s wise to call your insurance agent for a check-up well in advance of any storm to make sure your coverage is adequate, according to NOAA. Remember, home and renters’ insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

Build Your Emergency Kit

Your home storm supply kit should include more than a jar of peanut butter. Here’s the suggested list from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place))
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Other items to consider include soap or hand sanitizer, prescription medications, OTC medications, eyeglasses, infant formula and other baby supplies, pet food, cash or traveler’s checks, important documents, sleeping bag or blankets, change of clothing, feminine supplies, paper and pencil, mess kits (plates, cups, utensils), books or games or puzzles.

A printable checklist can be found on the Division of Emergency Management page.

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

“Build an ER kit for car and home,” McCormick says. “Take things that will make it easy for you. Have it stowed away somewhere in a rubber tote. Grab the one tote, and you have everything you need.”