Florida DeafBlind Association | Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Information

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2026 Atlantic Storm Names:
• Arthur
• Bertha
• Cristobal
• Dolly
• Edouard
• Fay
• Gonzalo
• Hanna
• Isaias
• Josephine
• Kyle
• Leah
• Marco
• Nana
• Omar
• Paulette
• Rene
• Sally
• Teddy
• Vicky
• Wilfred

You can download Sheriff’s Office app in your county for emergency and weather alerts.

Here we go again. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, 2026, and runs through November 30, 2026. Are you ready?

Early outlooks for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season indicate an near-average to slightly below average overall.

The forecast includes 9 to 16 named storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes (Category 3–5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale), with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

A developing El Niño is expected to influence this season. El Niño typically reduces the number of storms in the Atlantic, but it does not eliminate the risk of hurricanes making landfall.

These predictions mean that we should be especially alert to weather reports. Keep a close eye on any forecasted storms. Make sure you have the latest apps on your mobile devices, set up notifications so you can stay informed of any alerts, and be prepared.

Please bear in mind that the major hazards associated with hurricanes are:
• High winds
• Heavy rainfall and inland flooding
• Rip currents
• Storm surge and storm tide
• Tornadoes

Florida now offers year-round sales tax exemptions on many hurricane preparedness items, rather than limiting them to specific holiday periods. This allows you to purchase essential items such as pet food and supplies, portable equipment, home electronics and batteries, and generators at any time without paying sales tax.

Please refer to the Florida Department of Revenue's official publication for the most current list of qualifying year-round, tax-exempt disaster preparedness items: Disaster Preparedness List

Are you planning to shelter in place or evacuate? If you plan to ride out the storm or evacuate, it is important to prepare ahead of time. Have a plan in place and know what to do. These are valuable tips to keep in mind during hurricane season.

• Decide where you will go—whether staying with family or friends or at a hotel. Make your decision early and have a solid plan in place. Notify your family, close friends, and volunteers of your intended plan.

• Have an evacuation bag ready. Include everything you may need if you must leave quickly, such as medications and supplements, medical aids, extra chargers for your mobile devices, and any items essential to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

• Keep a secure box or case with important documents ready at all times. This should include bank information, birth certificate, identification cards, immunization records, insurance policies (car, health, homeowner, life, property, rental, and travel), marriage certificate, passport, Social Security card, and other key documents. It is also recommended to scan these documents and store copies on an external hard drive or storage device for easy access.

• If you have a service animal or pet(s), be prepared with their documentation, including medical records, vaccination lists, rabies information, and veterinary contacts. Pack collapsible bowls, feeding supplies, a foldable crate, grooming items, medications, a pet carrier, treats, and toys. Bring several days (up to 10 days) of individually portioned dry food. Make sure your destination is pet-friendly and has adequate relief areas.

• If you live in a coastal area, ensure you have the required pass to return to your home after the storm. These are typically obtained from your local City Hall or government offices.

Are you going to a shelter? Many shelters require registration with your county, especially for individuals with disabilities or special needs. Visit the Florida Department of Health Special Needs Shelter Program. Registration helps ensure you are assigned to an appropriate shelter, and transportation may be provided. Special needs shelters are available in most Florida cities and are staffed with trained personnel, often including interpreters. Check with your county for additional resources.

• Electronic devices, Bluetooth devices, and communication tools such as paper tablets and pens

• Extra chargers and a fully charged battery or solar-powered portable power bank (the larger, the better)

• Medications, over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, and supplements

• Personal and dental hygiene items (many shelters do not have shower facilities)

Please note that special needs shelters will not discriminate against individuals with service animals; however, they may not accept pets. Be sure to confirm whether your assigned shelter is pet-friendly if you have pets. You may be required to keep pets in a carrier or foldable crate.

Many people, including those who are DeafBlind, prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes if possible. That is a personal choice. If you choose to stay at home during a storm, be sure to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

If you decide to shelter in place, it is very important to closely monitor the storm. Follow all notifications, media reports, and weather radar updates as much as possible. Be aware. Be alert.

Know your evacuation zone. Some areas are in mandatory evacuation zones, which can be found here: Your Evacuation Zone. Storm surge can be catastrophic. If your home is in a mandatory evacuation zone and you choose to stay, emergency responders may not be able to reach you. If an evacuation is ordered, it is strongly advised that you leave.

• Bottled water. Each person, service animal, and pet should have at least one gallon of water per day. Plan for a minimum of seven days. Start preparing early and avoid waiting until stores are sold out.

• Cooler or ice chest. Keep it stocked with ice, cooling bricks, or cold packs. This is especially useful for storing medications that require refrigeration during a power outage.

• First aid kit. Maintain a well-stocked kit for yourself, your service animal, and your pets.

• Flashlights and batteries. Have multiple high-quality flashlights and plenty of batteries available.

• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food. Stock enough food for at least seven days. Take advantage of sales to prepare in advance, and ensure your manual can opener is working.

• Pet supplies. Make sure you have adequate food, water, treats, and supplies for your pets. Prepare a safe indoor relief area if needed, such as pads or a designated space with appropriate materials.

• Power banks. Portable battery or solar-powered power banks are essential during outages. They are safer and more accessible during a storm than generators.

• Weather radio. Keep one available to stay informed if other communication methods fail.

Once the storm begins, stay indoors. Even if conditions seem calm, do not go outside unless absolutely necessary. The eye of the storm can create a false sense of safety and is one of the most dangerous phases.

After the storm, remain cautious. Have someone check your surroundings if possible. Avoid walking through floodwaters or unfamiliar areas, as they may contain hidden hazards. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience a power outage, restoration may take time. Sign up for notifications from your local utility company and internet provider. Crews often come from other areas to assist, and they work as quickly as possible to restore services.

No matter what you choose to do this hurricane season, your safety is the priority. Florida DeafBlind Association wish you a safe and prepared hurricane season.