Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Power outages, candles and generators cause a lot of home fires during storms, so a storm kit is really a fire safety kit too.
At home
- Test every smoke alarm and replace batteries at the start of the season. Hardwired alarms with a battery backup keep working when the power goes out.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.
- Use flashlights and lanterns, not candles.
- Never run a generator indoors or in a garage, even with the door open.
- Store water: one gallon per person per day for at least three days.
In the car
- Keep the tank at least half full during storm watches.
- Pack a car emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight and first aid.
- Keep phone chargers and copies of important papers in a waterproof bag.
Know your level
Manatee County uses evacuation levels. Look up your address on the county's emergency management website before a storm is named, and follow official instructions when one is.
