June is Hurricane Preparedness Month, a timely reminder for residents across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to prepare before a storm threatens our area. While hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, experts agree that the best time to prepare is before a storm is even on the radar.
Hurricanes can bring more than strong winds. Storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, extended power outages, and dangerous road conditions can impact communities far inland from the coast. Understanding your risk and having a plan in place can make a significant difference in protecting your family, home, and property.
Build Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan
According to FEMA, NOAA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every household should take a few key steps before hurricane season begins.
Create an Emergency Plan
Discuss evacuation routes, shelter options, and communication plans with your family. Be sure everyone knows where to go and how to stay in contact if cell service is disrupted. Don't forget to make plans for pets, older adults, and family members with special medical needs.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend having at least a three-day supply of food, water, and essential items on hand. In hurricane-prone regions like Northwest Florida, emergency management officials often encourage households to prepare for five to seven days or longer due to the potential for extended power outages, flooding, and limited access to supplies after a storm. Your kit should include:
· Water and nonperishable food
· Prescription medications
· Flashlights and extra batteries
· First aid supplies
· Portable phone chargers
· Cash
· Important documents stored in a waterproof container
· Pet supplies if needed
Experts recommend assembling these supplies before a storm is approaching, when store shelves are fully stocked.
Prepare Your Home
Secure outdoor furniture, trim trees and shrubs, clear gutters, and inspect your roof for potential vulnerabilities. Review your insurance coverage and document your belongings before hurricane season begins.
“Taking the time to secure your home before a storm is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce damage and protect your family,” said Barbara Bailey, Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator for United Way of West Florida. “Simple actions like clearing your yard, checking your roof, and reviewing your insurance coverage can make a major difference when severe weather impacts our community.”
Stay Informed
Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and emergency information, including local news, weather apps, NOAA Weather Radio, and emergency notifications from local officials. Understanding the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning can help you respond quickly when conditions change.
UWWF Community Support During Disasters
When disaster strikes, United Way of West Florida works alongside local emergency management officials, nonprofit partners, and community organizations to help meet urgent needs and support long-term recovery efforts.
From coordinating volunteers and resources to helping connect residents with critical services, UWWF plays an important role in strengthening community response efforts before, during, and after disasters. Through partnerships and community collaboration, UWWF helps ensure that individuals and families have access to information, resources, and support when they need it most.
“When our local Emergency Operations Center is activated, United Way of West Florida is part of that coordinated response, and our 211 call specialists play a critical role in connecting residents to immediate resources and information,” said Jessica Johnson, Vice President of Impact Services for UWWF.
The EOC is the central coordination hub during disasters, bringing together local agencies, first responders, and community partners to manage response efforts. When activated, it monitors conditions, shares real-time updates, and coordinates resources like shelters, emergency communications, and critical support. The EOC also helps guide recovery and ensures help reaches the communities that need it most.
"Our community is strongest when we prepare together," Bailey said. "Taking simple steps today—making a plan, building a kit, and staying informed—can make a significant difference when a storm threatens our area."
Bailey encourages residents not to wait until a hurricane is approaching to begin preparing.
"Every hurricane season reminds us that preparedness is not a one-time event," she said. "The more prepared we are before a storm forms, the better positioned we are to protect our families, assist our neighbors, and recover more quickly."
Take Action Today
Preparedness doesn't have to happen all at once. Start by creating a plan, gathering supplies, and learning about your local evacuation routes. Small steps taken today can help reduce stress, improve safety, and strengthen our community's resilience when severe weather occurs.
As Hurricane Preparedness Month continues, UWWF encourages everyone to take time to prepare and help ensure that our region is ready for whatever this hurricane season may bring.
“When a storm is approaching, every minute matters—but the most important decisions happen long before the first warning,” Bailey said. “Preparing today means protecting the people you love when it matters most.”
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