Ahead of Hurricane Dorian, Senator Rick Scott released a public service announcement (PSA) urging families to prepare for the storm's potential impacts on Florida. 

Watch the Senator's PSA and find more information on hurricane preparedness below. 

Read the following tips to help prepare yourself, your family and your business for Hurricane Dorian, but most importantly...

If you are told to evacuate, EVACUATE!
Don’t stay behind.
You can rebuild a home, but you can’t rebuild a life.

Prior to the storm:

• Prepare an evacuation plan and make sure everyone in your home knows the plan. Visit www.floridadisaster.org/getaplan to create a personalized emergency plan for your family.
  
  
• Stock up on emergency supplies, including: 
  • Water – You will need water for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes. Pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days
    
    
  • Food – You will need enough food for a minimum of 7 days:
    • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
    • Manual can opener
    • Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (i.e. infants, elderly, etc.)
    • Snack foods
    • Cooking tools and fuel
    • Paper plates and plastic utensils
      
      
  • Flashlight and Extra Batteries
    
    
  • Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags
    
    
  • Clothing – Include a complete change of clothes suitable for your area's climate. Be sure to include sturdy shoes to protect you from debris or other sharp objects you may encounter outdoors post-storm
    
    
  • First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines
    
    
  • Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
    
    
  • Toiletries
    
    
  • Cleaning Supplies – Include garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items you may need to sanitize your home or surroundings post-disaster
    
    
  • Special Items – Assess all family members' needs. Consider other items needed for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs (i.e. medical items, baby bottles, etc.)
    
    
  • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster
    
    
  • Toys, Books and Games
    
    
  • Important Documents – Consider storing all critical documents in a waterproof container, as well as saving them electronically. These items can include, but are not limited to, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
    
    
  • Tools
    
    
  • Pet Care Items, including:
    • Proper identification/ immunization records
    • Ample supply of food and water
    • Carrier or cage
    • Medications
    • Muzzle and leash
    • Photo of you and your pet(s) – in the event that you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership

During the storm:

• In case of emergency, call 911.
  
  
• Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials.
  
  
• Stay away from windows and seek shelter.

After the storm:

• If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so.
  
  
• Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
  
  
• Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.

Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites:

Visit the National Hurricane Center for the latest updates on Hurricane Dorian. 

www.nhc.noaa.gov

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Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services, and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm. 

www.ready.gov/hurricanes

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Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, including shelter locations and your local emergency management office.

www.floridadisaster.org

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Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster. 

www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance

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Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to learn about housing assistance available to homeowners and renters.

  www.hud.gov/hurricane

Follow these Twitter accounts, as well as your local law enforcement and emergency management officials, for live updates and information on Hurricane Dorian:

@NWS

@NWSMiami

@NHC_Atlantic

@FLSERT

@fema

@Readygov

Official Website