Hurricanes are a fact of life along the Coast. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and preparing early can help protect your household before a storm threatens our community. Taking a few steps now, such as making a plan, building a kit, preparing your home, and signing up for local alerts, can help you respond more safely and confidently when severe weather occurs.
Be sure to share your plan with everyone in your household, as well as close friends or family members outside your home, so they know where you will be and how to reach you. It is also a good idea to practice your plan so everyone knows what to do if the time comes.
Always, listen to local authorities and follow any guidance issued for your area, including evacuation orders, shelter information, road closures, or other safety instructions. These details may change depending on the storm, conditions, and location.
Additional Planning Resources
Ready.gov offers a helpful list of items to include in a disaster kit. As you prepare, consider the needs of everyone who may shelter with you, including children, older adults, family members or friends, and pets. Your kit should include food, water, medications, important documents, hygiene items, chargers, flashlights, batteries, and any supplies needed for medical, mobility, or accessibility needs.
If you plan to shelter in a community facility, check local guidance before you leave so you know what items are allowed or recommended.
Prepare your home before severe weather arrives. High winds and flooding can create dangerous conditions, so take time to secure outdoor items, bring loose objects inside, and tie down anything that could be picked up by the wind. Follow local guidance for your area, especially if flooding, evacuation orders, or other safety concerns are expected.
Make sure you have more than one way to receive weather and emergency information. Download trusted weather apps, sign up for local emergency alerts, and follow updates from your county emergency management agency and local news outlets. Having multiple sources in place before a storm approaches can help you receive important information quickly and respond safely.
Emergency Alerts
State Specific Alerts
Alabama:
Florida:
Mississippi:
When Disaster Impacts Our Community
As a disaster response organization, Feeding the Gulf Coast is here for our community before, during, and after times of crisis. When severe weather or natural disasters affect our service area, we work closely with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies, community partners, and other response organizations to help ensure essential food, water, and resources reach neighbors affected by the disaster. When storms come, we are here for our community, and together, we will get through what comes next.
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