Boil Water Notices
In the event of a drinking system malfunction or a natural disaster such as flooding, a boil water notice may be issued
Emergency Resources
Get information on preparedness and recovery, boil water notices, and emergency orders as issued by the Florida Department of Health and the Governor.
Be Ready for Disasters and Emergencies
Emergencies occur unexpectedly, and preparedness can help protect you and your family.
The Florida Department of Health offers tools and resources to assist individuals, families and communities before, during and after emergencies and disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and public health emergencies.
Whether you’re helping children feel secure during a crisis, ensuring older adults have the support they need, or planning for accessibility considerations, taking proactive steps can make all the difference.
Build a Kit
An emergency kit should sustain you and your family for at least seven days and include essential supplies such as food, water, medical necessities, and important documents. Each household is unique, so your kit should be tailored to meet specific needs, including those of infants, elderly family members, and pets.
Essential Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
- Water – At least one gallon per person per day (drinking and sanitation)
- Non-Perishable Food and Can-opener (ready-to-eat canned goods, protein bars, dried fruits, nuts, etc.)
- Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio (to receive emergency alerts and updates)
- Flashlights and Extra Batteries
- First Aid Kit (bandages, antiseptics, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medicines)
- Personal Hygiene Items (soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, and deodorant)
- Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties
- Local Maps and Evacuation Routes in case GPS is unavailable
- Cell Phone with Chargers and Backup Batteries
- Prescription Medications
- Important Documents (copies of insurance policies, identification, medical records, and bank records stored in a waterproof container)
- Cash
- Emergency Contact Information (printed list of family members, friends, and emergency services)
- Blankets or Sleeping Bags
- Extra Clothing and Sturdy Shoes
- Whistle (to signal for help if trapped or lost)
- Matches or Lighter
- Fire Extinguisher
Special Conditions
- Infant and Child Care Supplies (formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.)
- Pet Supplies (food, water, leash, collar, carrier, and vaccination records)
- Games, Books, Activities (keep children occupied during extended emergencies)
- Medical equipment or other items for individuals with special needs or a disability.
Make a Plan
Emergencies can strike at any moment, and waiting until disaster hits is too late to prepare. Creating a plan now ensures you and your loved ones know what to do when the unexpected occurs.
A well-thought-out plan reduces panic, keeps your family together, and ensures access to essential resources.
Whether facing a natural disaster, power outage, or other emergency, being organized can make all the difference.
Identify Who and What Your Plan Covers
Determine who will be included in your emergency plan and ensure their specific needs, including medical and pet considerations, are accounted for.
- List all individuals in your household and their full contact information.
- Note any medical conditions, mobility limitations, or other special needs.
- Include service animals and family pets in your plan.
- Assign responsibilities to each household member so everyone has a role in an emergency.
Communication and Contacts
Establish reliable ways to stay in touch with family members and emergency contacts in case you get separated during an emergency.
- Designate a central emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
- Ensure everyone in your household has this contact’s phone number, email, and address.
- Establish a method for checking in with family members if separated.
- Know how to send and receive emergency alerts via phone, text, or social media.
- If you’re in an area expecting a storm and potential power loss, update your cell phone’s voicemail before your phone dies. Change your message to let people know where you’ve evacuated to or simply that you have no power but are safe. This simple step ensures that even when your phone is out of commission, your loved ones will know you’re okay.
Know Your Evacuation Plan
Plan for how and where you will evacuate, ensuring multiple routes and accommodations are considered.
- Identify primary and alternate evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood.
- Decide where you will go: a friend’s or relative’s home, a hotel, or an emergency shelter.
- If someone in your household has medical needs, check if a special needs shelter is an option.
- Keep your vehicle maintained and your gas tank at least half-full in case of evacuation.
Designate Meeting Places
Choose and communicate designated meeting spots in case you cannot return home or become separated.
- Establish two meeting locations: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood.
- Ensure all family members know where these locations are and how to get there.
- If evacuation occurs, update your designated emergency contact on your whereabouts.
Keep Important Documentation Accessible
Keep important identification, insurance, and medical records safe and accessible for quick reference during an emergency.
- Make copies of important documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records.
- Store copies in a waterproof container and keep digital versions backed up securely.
- Ensure each family member always carries identification and emergency contact details.
- In an emergency, having your essential documents on a thumb drive or stored in the cloud ensures they’re easy to transport and less susceptible to water damage than paper copies. This small device can be a critical tool for quick access to vital information when you need it most.
Review, Practice, and Update Your Plan
Regularly review, practice, and refine your emergency plan to ensure it remains effective and up to date.
- Review and practice your emergency plan with all household members every six months.
- Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills regularly.
- Test communication methods to ensure they work effectively.
- Update contact information, routes, and meeting places as needed.
Stay Informed
Stay informed with essential information for disaster preparedness and response, ensuring you have the knowledge to protect yourself, your family, and your community before, during, and after a disaster.
Evacuations and Emergency Shelters
Special Needs Shelters
Special needs shelters provide individuals with medical or functional needs access to safe shelters and resources during emergencies, with guidance on registration and preparation.
Florida Listing of Open Shelters
The shelter status page provides real-time updates on locations, availability, and details for general population and special needs shelters during emergencies.
Florida Disaster Maps and Evacuation Routes
Find disaster preparedness maps to identify your risk zones, evacuation routes, and storm surge areas, helping you plan and stay safe during emergencies.
Florida’s Road Conditions
Florida’s official source for real-time traffic updates, including road conditions, incidents, construction, and evacuation routes, to ensure safe travel during emergencies.
Weather Updates
National Hurricane Center
Get official forecasts, warnings, real-time updates, expert analysis, tracking tools, and preparedness resources to stay safe during hurricane season.
Hurricane Preparedness
Prepare for storm season by understanding your risk, starting early, and ensuring you can receive forecasts and alerts to keep your loved ones safe.
Use Your Weather Radio
A weather radio provides real-time alerts and continuous updates to keep you and your family safe during severe weather.
Florida Emergency Management
Florida’s communications and command center for reporting emergencies and coordinating state response activities alongside county emergency officials.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leverages federal government resources to help people before, during and after disasters across the country.