I’ve lived on Florida’s west coast my whole life. I was born in 2004, when Hurricane Charley struck. I was 1 year old when Katrina struck Florida in 2005 and devastated New Orleans. In 2017, Hurricane Irma was the first storm I evacuated for. Hurricane Ian, in 2022, reshaped my view of these storms, and Milton, three years later, was the first to impact my own life.

If you’re out of state, storm prepping probably seems overwhelming. Storm track graphics, photos flashing of the destruction of the previous storm and national weather updates can be a lot to process. 

I am no professional, but this is what I have learned after 21 Florida hurricane seasons.

Batteries, Cars and Light

When summer starts, pick up a pack of batteries every time you grocery shop. You’ll thank yourself later. 

Portable phone chargers are a necessity, regardless of their quality. I have been using the GOODaaa 42800 milliamp battery since Hurricane Irma and only charge it once a year.

 If you can afford it, a power station is worth the investment. I use a 1000-watt Dewalt DXAEPS2 that will charge every device I own several times. Cheaper options are available, and some models are even solar-powered. 

Fill your gas tank full before the storm rush. If your car has a three-prong outlet, you can use it to power small appliances that the power station can’t handle. Power inverters can be attached to car batteries to power appliances, as well. 

Flashlights are great. Lanterns are better. 

Food, Medicine and Entertainment 

What is often forgotten is food preservation and medical prescriptions. Losing power will include your refrigerators and freezers. Plan accordingly and be sure all vital prescriptions are filled. 

One gallon of water per person per day. You may need it to cook, clean, or even manually flush toilets – not just drink it. 

Plan for your pets! Stock up on their food. They don’t understand hurricanes. They will be stressed. 

Hunkering down doesn’t mean doing puzzles and playing Monopoly. During Hurricane Milton, I purchased and downloaded several movies onto my laptop and watched them while the storm passed. 

General Safety 

Do not try to outrun a storm. Listen to your local weather station to find out what is expected in your area, including road closures and landfall. Do not try to flee at the last minute. 

Always be prepared for a storm tracker to change. Hurricane Ian was predicted to hit Tampa but turned at the last minute to Fort Myers Beach. Hurricane Milton was projected for Fort Myers for a while and hit Tampa dead-on. 

Finally, you’re not just preparing for the day of the storm. Be ready to be without power, water, or drivable roads for days after. 

While hurricanes are unpredictable and intense, being informed and prepared makes all the difference. As someone who’s grown up riding out these storms, I can tell you that a calm, proactive mindset is your best tool. If a storm does come, remember that Floridians have experienced this many times before. You’re not alone, and help is always nearby. Just stay calm, stay prepared, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

To stay safe on campus, download the RAVE Guardian app and turn on Outlook notifications.