Hurricane season begins on June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. While we can expect unpredictable amounts of rain and wind, it’s time to ask yourself — are you prepared if an emergency were to happen?
Forecasters have predicted an above-normal 2025 season, so it’s important to have a plan in place. That means having enough food, water, cash, and supplies to last at least three days, and maybe longer if you are in a hard-to-reach area and cannot evacuate to a safer location.
So, what should go in your kit? Each kit depends on you and your family’s personal needs, but here are a few essentials — including select disaster preparedness items that are now permanently tax-free.
Permanently tax-free items
- Batteries — AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, and 9-volt
- Fire extinguishers
- Insect repellent + sunscreen
- Life jackets
- Portable gas cans up to 5 gallons
- Portable generators
- Smoke + carbon monoxide detectors
- Waterproof tarps up to 1,000 sqft
- Tie-down kits
Sustenance and personal care
- Water — at least a gallon per person, per day
- Non-perishable food + a manual can opener
- Cash
- Basic toiletries
- Prescription and OTC medications
- A set of paper plates, utensils, and paper towels
- Pet and service animal supplies
- Baby supplies
- An extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
- Change of clothes and a raincoat + rainboots
- A waterproof sleeve for important documents and cash
- Toys, books, and games
Safety
- First aid kit
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Waterproof whistles
- Local maps
- Duct tape
Communication and power
- Portable chargers for cell phones + other devices
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
- Paper Polk County shelter maps — available for free at Publix stores
Is your hurricane kit must-have not on our list? Tell us about it so we can be extra prepared.
