Storm Preparation

Florida has 1,197 miles of coastline, and all of its cities are within 75 miles of the coast. There are no areas in Florida immune to the forces of a hurricane or tropical storm. If a storm strike becomes imminent, it will be imperative that you are prepared and informed.

Before the Storm

Have a Fuel Plan

Surges in consumer demand due to storms can cause disruptions in Florida’s fuel distribution system. Early preparation by consumers will reduce the strain on fuel distribution and will help ensure that fuel is available as needed.

• Keep all vehicles at least half full during hurricane season.
• Keep at least one vehicle filled with gasoline once the earliest predictions indicate a storm may threaten the state.
• Pre-purchase fuels (LP gas and gasoline) for generators at the start of hurricane season.
• Use gasoline fuel stabilizer to keep gasoline fresh and ready to use when it is needed.
• Properly stored fuels can be safely stored throughout hurricane season, and can be transferred into vehicles for use, should no emergency arise.

For questions or to report fuel quality issues before or after a storm, consumers should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español.

Fuel Safety

Follow these tips when handling and storing fuel:

• Refill fuel containers on the ground, not in the truck bed or trunk.
• Transport and store fuel only in appropriate containers. Look for U.S. Department of Transportation-approved containers that close tightly and do not leak. Typically, fuel containers are color coded for various fuels:
  • Red containers are intended for gasoline and other highly flammable liquids.
  • Blue containers are used for storing kerosene.
  • Yellow containers are used for diesel fuel.
  • Green containers typically are designed for storing oil.
• Never store or transport gasoline in milk jugs or open-top containers!
• Store fuel in a safe and well-ventilated location.

Have a Family Disaster Plan

Prior to the threat of a disaster, families can create a personalized Family Disaster Plan at FloridaDisaster.org/GetaPlan. This site provides checklists and important steps to take before, during and after the disaster. The plan should also address the issue of pets. If you anticipate needing transportation or any specialized assistance, register now with your county emergency management agency.

Have an Emergency Kit

Don’t wait until a warning is issued and the stores are empty or closed to gather essential items for you and your family. The National Weather Service recommends including the following items in your emergency kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

After the Storm

Auto Damage

The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act requires anyone who is paid to repair motor vehicles owned by other individuals to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The act applies to dealers of new and used cars, trucks and motorcycles; garages; service stations; self-employed persons; truck stops; and paint, body, brake, muffler, transmission, mobile repair and glass shops. The act establishes requirements for estimates and invoices. Review estimates and contracts carefully for language that may assign your insurance policy benefits directly to the repair shop. Visit our Motor Vehicle Repair webpage for more information.

Charities

Give wisely! All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies) are required to register and file financial information with FDACS. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español or use our online Check-A-Charity tool to find out if a charity is properly registered. You can also find out how much the charity is spending on administration and fundraising and how much money goes to actual programming.

Contractors

Check the license and complaint history of contractors before signing a contract or agreeing to have anyone do work for you. Call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or go to MyFloridaLicense.com. Do not sign an “Assignment of Benefits” form for a contractor if you have not been instructed to do so by your insurance company.

File a Complaint

Do you have a complaint about a business? FDACS can help, regardless of whether we regulate the specific industry. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA or select File a Complaint for assistance.

Food Safety

Discard perishable food that has been stored in temperatures above 41 degrees F for four or more hours. Dispose of any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture or feels warm to the touch. If in doubt, throw it out! Inspect canned foods for damage. Damaged canned food shows swelling, leaking, punctures, holes, fractures, deep rusting, crushing or denting. If flooding occurs, discard any food that has come into contact with flood water unless it is in a waterproof container. Contact your county Department of Health if you suspect that your well may be contaminated.

Fuel

The potential for water-contaminated fuel incidents increase after a considerable storm. If you witness flooding at a station during or immediately following a storm, report it to FDACS so we can have an inspector check the storage tanks for water contamination. Always keep the receipt of purchase and report any possible contaminated fuel incidents at 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español.

Generators

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

Insurance

Don’t respond to robocalls, text messages or emails regarding your insurance premiums or coverage. Call your local insurance agent or the company’s customer service number listed on your policy or insurance card to verify any messages you receive about your insurance.

Landlord/Tenant

If you live in a rental property that was damaged by the storm, you need to know your rights and responsibilities and those of your landlord. Visit Landlord/Tenant Law for more information or refer to Florida’s Landlord/Tenant Law, Chapter 83, Part II, Florida Statutes.

Price Gouging

Anyone who suspects price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General at (866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.

Skimmers

Thieves will take advantage of power outages to install skimming devices. Always check for security measures on the pump and be aware of your surroundings. Look around for possible cameras or any suspicious equipment that doesn’t belong on the pump. Remember that not all pumps require security tape. Some pump systems have internal security. If in doubt, ask the store personnel about the pump security. Report any evident signs of tampering or unauthorized access to fuel dispensers at 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español.

General Fraud Prevention Tips

• Be skeptical of any unsolicited telephone call, letter or email.
• Be wary of anyone requiring payment through money transfer or money order, or by sending cash. Purchases made by credit card will allow the consumer the ability to dispute charges.
• Get details in writing before signing agreements, sending money or giving financial information.
• Check a company's complaint history at our Business/Complaint Lookup or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español. If the business is regulated by FDACS, be sure to find out if it is registered.
• If you receive a solicitation to contribute to a charity, use Check-A-Charity or call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español before you donate to inquire about registration status or financial information.