Hurricane Season Checklist · Wesley Chapel, FL

📄 Insurance & documents Do first

Review homeowner's & flood insurance policies

Confirm coverage limits, deductibles, and flood zone status

Complete a home inventory

Photo/video the inside and outside of your home for claims

Gather & store important documents

IDs, insurance cards, mortgage docs — waterproof bag or cloud backup

Know your FEMA flood zone

Check flood map at msc.fema.gov — affects insurance costs

🔧 Home preparation Before a storm

Inspect roof, windows, and doors

Look for loose shingles, gaps, or aging seals

Trim trees and clear yard debris

Loose branches and yard items become projectiles in high winds

Test storm shutters or impact windows

Make sure hardware operates and shutters are accessible

Locate & test whole-home generator

Test run it now — don't wait until a storm is approaching

🎒 Emergency kit & supplies Stock now

Water — 1 gallon per person per day (3–7 days)

Don't forget pets!

Non-perishable food for 3–7 days

Canned goods, protein bars, foods that don't need refrigeration

Medications & first aid supplies

30-day supply of prescriptions if possible

Flashlights, batteries & portable chargers

Cash on hand

ATMs and card readers often go offline after a storm

🗺️ Evacuation & family plan Plan ahead

Know your evacuation zone

Find yours at floridadisaster.org — zones are lettered A–F by risk

Plan two evacuation routes

Roads flood — have a backup. Keep gas tank at least half full all season

Set a family communication plan

Designate an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with

Download the FL emergency alerts app

Sign up at floridadisaster.org for official notifications

🧸 Families with young kids Little ones

Pack a kids' go-bag

Comfort items, favorite snacks, small toys, change of clothes per child

Stock diapers, formula & baby food

At least a 2-week supply — stores sell out fast before storms

Have an age-appropriate storm conversation

Reassure kids without alarming them — frame it as a family adventure plan

Know your school's emergency & early dismissal plan

Make sure the school has updated emergency contacts on file

Download offline entertainment

Movies, audiobooks, games for kids in case of extended power outages

🐾 Pets Don't forget them

Stock 2 weeks of pet food & water

Include any medications your pet takes regularly

Confirm your evacuation shelter is pet-friendly

Many shelters don't allow pets — research pet-friendly hotels or shelters now

Make sure pets have ID tags & are microchipped

Keep a recent photo of each pet in case you're separated

Pack a pet go-bag

Carrier, leash, bowls, vaccination records, comfort item

🤝 Elderly parents & loved ones Check in now

Confirm their evacuation zone & transportation plan

Don't assume they can drive or evacuate independently

Ensure 30+ day supply of medications

Contact their doctor now — don't wait until a storm is forecast

Check medical equipment needs

Oxygen, CPAP, dialysis, mobility aids — have a power backup plan

Register with the Special Needs Shelter program

Florida's Special Needs Registry — register at floridadisaster.org

Set up a daily check-in plan during storm season

A quick daily call or text ensures they're safe and informed