Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can range from inconvenient to devastating, but you can prepare in advance to minimize the impact on you and your family. The Department of Homeland Security's Ready.gov and the American Red Cross both offer timely advice on their websites.

Hurricane Preparedness

Before a hurricane hits Pensacola, use the many helpful tips below to prepare you, your family, and your home. Also, visit the City's Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness page and Escambia County's BeReady page.

Have a safe map route for evacuation. Evacuation routes may get very congested as a hurricane approaches so you may want to choose to leave earlier.

Rising water is also an issue so be careful not to be in low lying areas. Storms have high winds and floods so you should seek a safe shelter before the storm. DO NOT attempt to drive through any moving or high rising water. Remember, strong winds have a tendency to knock loose electric wires which have extremely strong voltage. Please do not attempt to cross over the wires, move the wires, or remove tree branches off the wires. After the storm, please contact Gulf Power at 800-487-6937 to remove the wires or report any power outages.

Ensure your Hurricane Preparedness Plan includes a contingency for losing your home to a hurricane event. Shelters will be provided by Escambia County Agencies. If safety officials advise you to evacuate, please do so immediately.

City/County Firefighters, City Police, and the Sheriffs Office do not go out during a hurricane once officials close the roads. These conditions endanger our first responders and may cause damage to vehicles.

Listed below are some resources to help you and your family prepare for safety in a hurricane.

Personal Preparedness Checklist

  • Develop disaster and first aid supply kits stored in waterproof containers.
  • Store three to five days worth of nonperishable food and supplies.
  • Keep a flashlight, portable radio, and plenty of batteries in a dry area for use before, during, and after the storm.
  • Waterlines can become undrinkable after a massive storm, so have bottled water handy to keep hydrated.
  • Store loose outdoor patio items/furniture inside a building as these may become airborne during high winds and could cause extensive damage.
  • Prune trees or weak/dead branches away from your home/buildings before the storm to keep them from damaging your home when the winds become strong.
  • Place vital documents in waterproof containers. Possibly scan and transfer important paperwork to a memory card to carry along if an evacuation becomes necessary.
  • 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.