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Author: Debbie Humphrey

If you live in the Tampa Bay area and were among the many impacted during the 2024 hurricane season, you probably understand the importance of hurricane preparedness.

Our local National Public Radio station, WMNF-FM 88.5, reported, “Three named storms hit Tampa Bay in 2024. In early August, Debby blasted through before it made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida as a Category 1 Hurricane. The following month, Hurricane Helene – and two weeks later, Hurricane Milton – devastated neighborhoods.”

June 1^st marks the official beginning of hurricane season 2025, and MSN says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting 17- 25 named storms over the next five months, with up to 7 major hurricanes.

“This sharp increase is driven by a combination of climate factors, including record-breaking sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic. As the season approaches, forecasters are urging everyone along the coast to begin preparations immediately, warning that waiting could leave communities exposed to devastating impacts.” explains MSN in a recent report.

Considering how many people were impacted by severe storms and hurricanes last year, I am reviewing 36 hurricane preparedness tips for the 2025 hurricane season to keep you, your loved ones, and your possessions safe.

1. When the threat of severe weather is reported, a senior’s local fire department or law enforcement agency should be notified, especially if the senior has special needs that could require an emergency response team.
2. Charge any device that provides light: Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still be used for dialing 911. Charge all external battery backups.
3. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill them with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill them with water, and store them in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.
4. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with plastic wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill the washing machine and leave the lid up to store water.
5. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep them near sinks for washing hands. Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth and washing, too.
6. Fill every Tupperware or plastic container with water, seal, and store in the freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.
7. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with plastic wrap. Store as many as possible in the fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is usually impossible to find after storms.
8. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.
9. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for the first day without power.
10. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid caffeine and foods that make you dehydrated.
11. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will begin to smell without the A/C. and with no A/C, you will perspire more than usual. Clean clothing items and clean sheets will be essential for better personal hygiene.
12. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, and empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
13. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that could become airborne; secure gates, and safely store hoses, potted plants, patio furniture, and grills.
14. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes, even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
15. Scrub all bathrooms so you begin with a clean, odor-free environment. Store water-filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
16.  Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
17. Make sure you have cash on hand.
18. Stock up on pet food and fill extra bowls of water for pets.
19. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
20.  Fill your propane tanks. You can grill food, heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and more when the power is out. Get an extra propane tank, if possible.
21. Drop your A/C in advance and lower the temperatures in your fridge.
22. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items, and keep them accessible.
23. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with. 
24. Pick your emergency safe place, such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out or purchase a small battery-powered fan and extra batteries.
25. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
26. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
27.  Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty, smelly dishes. Remember, you will need every clean container for water.
28. Put a small suitcase or “go-bag” in your car in case you must evacuate. Also, put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate. You don't need to store all the water in the house. Remember to pack for pets, as well.
29. Connect with all family members and set up emergency backup plans.
30.  Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
31. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
32. Gas up the car and have a full spare gas can for your generator or car when it runs out.
33.  I highly recommend, if possible, taking photos or videos of your house and its contents. Walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items, so you don't forget anything.
34. Another thought: freeze a cup of water and place a coin on top after it is frozen. Keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. As long as the coin stays on top, the food is still frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer has thawed during the outage, and most food will likely need to be cooked immediately or thrown away. This is super helpful if you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup, you will know.
35. Finally, anything that you want to try and preserve, but you can't take with you---place it in a plastic bin, put the bin in your dishwasher, and lock the door. This should make it water-tight in case your home floods. Of course, you’ll want to take all the important/irreplaceable items you can!!
36. When necessary, seniors with special needs should contact Home Helpers® for assistance with registering for a special needs shelter: 727.942.2539

Please heed these helpful tips and share them with your senior loved ones. For seniors living alone in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties who are unable to properly prepare for severe storms or hurricanes without family or friends to help, I encourage you to contact me. I am happy to match a compassionate caregiver who can assist with making necessary storm preparations.

We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.

Home Helpers Clearwater proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Bayonet Point, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pass A Grille, Pass A Grille Beach, Port Richey, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier®

Sources:

WMNF-FM 88.5

MSN