Hurricane Season Approaches: FPL Encourages Floridians to Prepare Early and Prioritize Safety
With hurricane season just around the corner, experts are reminding Floridians that preparation is one of the most important tools for staying safe during severe weather. In a state where hurricanes are a recurring reality, having a clear emergency plan before a storm develops can make a significant difference for families, businesses, and entire communities.
Florida Power & Light (FPL) is encouraging residents across the state to begin preparing now for the six-month hurricane season by reviewing emergency plans, assembling supplies, and taking proactive safety measures at home.
According to FPL, hurricane preparedness should begin long before a storm appears on the forecast. Whether someone is a lifelong Floridian or recently moved to the state, officials say every household should have a hurricane emergency plan in place.
Among the first recommendations is determining whether a home or business is located in a flood or evacuation zone and becoming familiar with local evacuation routes. Families are also encouraged to identify backup power options or make relocation arrangements ahead of time in case evacuation orders are issued.
FPL also reminds drivers to keep gasoline tanks at least half full throughout hurricane season. For electric vehicle owners, experts recommend maintaining battery levels between 50% and 80% to help ensure mobility during emergencies.
Residents with medical needs are urged to contact local emergency management offices in advance and explore programs such as FPL’s Medically Essential Service designation for households that depend on electrically powered medical equipment.
Emergency preparedness kits are another essential part of storm planning. Experts recommend storing non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, flashlights, batteries, phone chargers, power banks, and first-aid supplies in an easily accessible location. Important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates, Social Security cards, emergency contact lists, and a recent FPL bill should also be placed in waterproof containers.
Protecting homes before a storm is equally important. FPL advises residents to install approved hurricane shutters or use plywood coverings for windows and doors, secure outdoor furniture, and unplug unnecessary electronics to help reduce damage risks. Refrigerators and freezers should be set to their coldest temperatures to preserve food longer during potential outages.
The company also stresses the importance of electrical safety. Residents should never attempt to trim trees or vegetation near power lines themselves and should only hire qualified professionals for this type of work. FPL further advises keeping ladders, tools, and scaffolding at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
After a hurricane passes, safety remains critical. Officials warn residents to stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas where electrical hazards may be hidden. Portable generators should always be operated outdoors and never connected directly to a home’s electrical system.
To stay informed after a storm, Floridians are encouraged to monitor local news, follow official emergency updates, and use resources available through FPL, including outage reporting and restoration updates at FPL.com.
As hurricane season approaches, emergency officials and utility experts continue emphasizing a simple but important message: preparation today can help protect lives tomorrow. For more tips, visit FPL.com/storm.
