Get ready for hurricane season with AARP Florida

Whether you need help to prepare for hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, or assistance after a hurricane hits, AARP Tampa Bay has many resources ready to go.

The key to surviving a hurricane and its aftermath is preparation, and AARP Florida has a disaster tool kit to help you plan. The tool kit is a resource for everyone – local leaders, government staff, aging services professionals, and community volunteers.

AARP Florida also has disaster preparation resources, including tips, checklists, scam prevention and protection information, and video libraries on the Hurricane Preparedness, Response & Resources (En Español). The AARP Florida YouTube channel also offers webinars on disaster preparation along with animated videos in English and Spanish).

First, understand your potential risk by knowing what flood zone you are in so you can be ready to evacuate if emergency planners recommend it. Second, make sure your home is ready to withstand hurricane-force winds, and if it’s not, be prepared to evacuate. Third, talk to your family about what you will do if a hurricane threatens. Finally, identify the options available to you, whether it’s hunkering down, finding the closest hurricane shelter, a sturdy hotel or staying with family or friends.

You should also prepare two different hurricane kits – one if you stay and one if you go. Riding out the storm from home means preparing for several days without electricity, air conditioning or running water. Your stay-kit should include flashlights, candles, batteries, canned foods, bottled water, medications, etc. Your go-kit should include clothing, bottled water, medications, identification, insurance information, money, food, and safety items, including masks, rubber gloves, sanitizing wipes, etc.

Find detailed hurricane tips here.