What Every Florida Family Needs Before the Next Storm

In Florida, hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and as Florida residents know, storms don’t always give much warning. One of the most important steps you can take before the weather takes a turn is to prepare a well-stocked emergency supply kit for your household. Whether you’re staying in place or evacuating, a disaster kit ensures your family has what it needs when it matters most.

Emergency Supply Kit: The Core Essentials

Here’s what should be in every Florida home’s basic disaster supply kit:

  • Water – One gallon per person per day for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food – A three-day supply of non-perishable items
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Cell phone with chargers and backup power banks
  • First aid kit
  • Dust masks – To help filter contaminated air
  • Whistle – To signal for help
  • Local maps – In case GPS isn’t available 
Additional Supplies to Consider

These items can be crucial depending on your household’s needs:

  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Glasses, contact lenses, and solution
  • Infant care items – Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and rash cream
  • Pet food, extra water, and leashes
  • Cash or traveler’s checks – ATMs may be offline during outages
  • Insurance policies, ID, medical info, bank records, stored electronically and/or in a waterproof container
  • Change of clothing and sturdy shoes
  • Blankets or sleeping bags for each person
  • Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and gloves
  • Fire extinguisher and waterproof matches
  • Books, games, or comfort items for children
Tips for Maintaining Your Emergency Kit

Having a kit is one thing, keeping it ready is another. Here’s how:

  • Store canned goods in a cool, dry place
  • Use airtight containers for boxed items
  • Check expiration dates regularly and rotate items out
  • Customize your kit each year as your family’s needs change (babies grow, pets, medications shift, etc.)
Why It Matters

When disaster strikes, basic items become hard to find, and quick decisions can be made easier when you’ve already planned ahead. If you have to evacuate, having this kit ready to grab can be the difference between comfort and chaos.

Even if you plan to stay home, power and water outages are common. Having food, water, light, and communication tools on hand helps keep you and your family safe until things return to normal.

Let's Talk About Your Insurance, Too

Emergency kits help with safety, but to fully protect your home and property, your insurance needs to be up to date. At Omni One, we work with families to make sure their policies are built for their unique risks.

Now is the perfect time to review:

  • Wind and hurricane coverage
  • Flood insurance
  • Personal property limits
  • Deductibles for storms or evacuations

Take Action Today

If it’s been more than a year since you’ve reviewed your insurance coverage, or if you’ve recently made changes to your home, family, or valuables, let’s make sure everything is up to date.

Contact us today to review your insurance coverage and make sure your disaster plan is complete. We’re here to help you stay prepared, not just for storms, but for peace of mind all year long.