Before The Storm

Plan Ahead

Have a plan for what could happen if you lose your home after a storm. If safety officials advise you to evacuate, please do so immediately. For more information visit the interactive evacuation route map from Escambia County or download the Escambia County Hurricane Evacuation Route Map (PDF).

What to Have in the Event of an Emergency - A Checklist:

  • Drinking water (suggested 7 gallons per person)
  • Ice chest and ice
  • Non-perishable foods (at least 3-5 days worth)
  • First Aid kit
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • TV/Radio (battery operated)
  • Disinfectant or bleach
  • Prescription Medicine (2-Week supply or more)
  • Adhesive tape
  • Can opener
  • Clock (wind-up or battery operated)
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Disposable plates, glasses, and utensils
  • Cotton-tipped swabs
  • Cough mixture
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Ear drops
  • Grill/camp stove (with sufficient fuel to last 3 days)
  • Antacid
  • Laxative
  • Insect repellent
  • Lantern & matches
  • Lumber/shutters
  • Pet food
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Plastic sheeting, duct tape, nails, rope
  • Soap and detergent
  • Toilet paper
  • Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, food, formula, etc.)

Personal Preparedness Checklist:

  • Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surges, flooding, and winds. Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
  • Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure all children know how and when to call 911.
  • Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
  • Stock First Aid and Disaster Supply kits and store them in waterproof containers. Always be prepared to have three to five days worth of non-perishable food and supplies. Have a flashlight, portable radio, and plenty of batteries kept in a dry area. Waterlines can become undrinkable after a large storm, so have plenty of bottled water handy.
  • Take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness training classes.
  • Fuel up your vehicles.
  • Store loose outdoor patio items/furniture inside a building. These items become airborne during high winds and could cause damage.
  • Prune trees or weak/dead branches away from your home/buildings before the storm. This could keep it from damaging you home when the winds become strong.
  • Place vital documents in waterproof containers. Possibly scan and transfer important paperwork to a memory card. Then you are able to take it with you if you leave the area quickly.
  • Remove and secure valuables due to looting that may happen after a disaster.
  • Keeping yourself safe is important but remember your pets need to be cared for as well. Develop a plan for handling your pets.
  • Register physically challenged persons with the appropriate disaster management authorities.
  • Please remember, waiting until the last minute may cause danger to you and your family. Your life and the lives of others are what is most important. Please use caution.

Emergencies can range from inconvenient to devastating, but preparation before a hurricane strikes could minimize the impact on you and your family. Be sure to also visit the BeReady Escambia website for comprehensive hurricane preparation information.