Hurricane season is almost here. When should I build my hurricane kit, what should I put in it?
We are less than a week away from the beginning of a forecaster-predicted above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30; however, most forecasters and emergency officials stress the time to prepare for a storm before a hurricane is on its way.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting between 13 and 19 named storms in 2025, making it an above-average season. Of those, six to 10 are predicted to become hurricanes, including three to five strengthening into major hurricanes.
A big part of hurricane preparations is building a hurricane supplies kit. Here's what supplies should go in your kit, especially if you have children or pets in your household.
Now, according to experts.
"The best time to prepare for hurricanes is BEFORE hurricane season begins," NOAA said.
"Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it's too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period."
Before an emergency strikes, sit down with your family or close friends to come up with an evacuation plan. Experts at FEMA recommend figuring out how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency.
Once you have decided what will work best, keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
According to FEMA's public service campaign website Ready.gov, a basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an 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
Along with physical supplies, write down emergency phone numbers and addresses for safekeeping in your emergency kit.
On a budget? Creating hurricane supplies kit important, but what if money is tight?
Have your kids help make their own hurricane kit and gather test supplies like flashlights, their favorite shelf-stable snack or even a comfort item.
Along the way, teach them about emergency supplies and write down important contacts for their kits, including names and phone numbers of a relative that does not live in the home.
When it comes to specific items for younger children, you'll need to remember to grab formula, baby foods, bottles, baby wipes, and medications. You may want to pack items like an over-the-counter fever reducer for infants.
It's also recommended to have a summary of your child's medical history, a list of medications and a copy of their shot records just in case. Before the season begins, you can check with your pediatrician to see if they have specific recommendations for your baby or toddler.
As you race against the clock to grab supplies for yourself and family, make sure to pick up items to build an extra hurricane supply kit for your pets. Per the Red Cross, your kit should include:
Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can't escape.
Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if you pet eats canned food.
Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
A first aid kit.
Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
AccuWeather
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
NWS
Red Cross
If you live in a flood-prone area, you're especially vulnerable to hurricane impacts.
However, remember that even it you don't live in a flood-prone area, you're not necessarily safe since extreme rain can flood even those areas.
Here's how to find out the flood risk for your area so you can plan accordingly:
Go to FEMA's Flood Risk website, floodsmart.gov/flood-risk
Scroll down and enter your zip code and click on Discover Your Risk
Look at the map to see if your risk is low, moderate or high
You can also enter your address for a more precise view of your risk
You can also check NOAA's Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper at coast.noaa.gov. Zoom in on the map to see a coastal flood hazard composite showing zones 1 to 11.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Season 2025 is almost here: Don't wait, build your kits now
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