Florida’s hurricane season runs June through November, with August through October historically the busiest stretch. A little prep now means a lot less scrambling later.
The palm trees swaying outside your window are one of the things that make MetroWest feel like home. They’re also a good reminder: we live in hurricane country. The good news is that getting ready doesn’t take much time, just a little intention. Here’s what every MetroWest household should have on hand, and who to call, before the next storm watch goes up.
The Go-Bag Basics
Every home should have a bag packed and easy to grab before a storm is anywhere near the forecast. The essentials: a few days of water and nonperishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable phone charger, and a basic first-aid kit. Add copies of important documents, ID, insurance, medication lists, kept somewhere dry, along with cash in small bills, since ATMs and card readers don’t work without power. If you have pets, pack food, water, and a leash. If you have little ones, a few comfort items go a long way alongside the diapers and formula. Set a yearly reminder, maybe around a birthday or the start of hurricane season, to check expiration dates and restock anything that’s run low.
Know Who to Call
When the weather turns, knowing who to call matters just as much as what’s in your bag. Save these numbers before you need them:
- 911 for life-threatening emergencies
- 311 (or 407-836-3111) for non-emergency issues like downed trees, flooding, or storm debris
- 211 for help with food, housing, or crisis support after a storm
- OCFL Alert for real-time county updates on shelters, evacuation routes, and road closures — free sign-up at orangecountyfl.net
- FPL at 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to report power outages
- MetroWest Master Association at 407-601-5995 for community-specific updates
None of us can control what a season brings, but we can control how ready we are for it. A little planning now is how MetroWest stays a community that looks out for its own, storm or no storm.
