When a hurricane is approaching Miami Beach or Hialeah, stores empty out fast. Water, batteries, and canned goods disappear from shelves within hours of a storm watch being issued. The only way to make sure your household has what it needs is to build your emergency kit before hurricane season begins — not when a storm is already in the forecast.
Here’s what every South Florida household should have ready before June 1st.
Water and Food First
Water is your most critical supply. FEMA recommends at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of seven days. For a family of four, that’s 28 gallons — more if you have pets. Store water in sealed, food-grade containers and replace it annually.
For food, focus on non-perishable items that don’t require cooking or refrigeration. Canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, peanut butter, and crackers are practical choices. A manual can opener is essential — easy to forget, impossible to replace when stores are closed.
Power, Light, and Communication
Extended power outages are common after South Florida hurricanes. A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio keeps you connected to emergency updates when cell networks are overwhelmed. Stock extra batteries in multiple sizes, and keep a supply of flashlights accessible in more than one room.
Portable phone chargers are now a standard part of any hurricane kit. Charge them fully before a storm arrives and keep them with your kit year-round so they’re ready when needed.
Medications and Medical Supplies
If anyone in your household takes prescription medication, maintain at least a two-week supply ahead of hurricane season. Pharmacies can be closed or inaccessible for days after a major storm. A basic first aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, gauze, pain relievers — should also be part of every emergency kit.
Documents and Cash
Keep copies of your homeowner’s insurance policy, identification, vehicle titles, and medical records in a waterproof bag or container. After a hurricane, you’ll need these documents quickly for insurance claims, emergency assistance, and accessing services.
Cash matters too. ATMs and card readers go offline when power is out. Keep a reasonable amount of small bills in your kit for purchasing supplies in the immediate aftermath of a storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I store for a hurricane in South Florida?
FEMA recommends at least one gallon per person per day for seven days minimum. In South Florida, where post-hurricane water service disruptions can last longer than in other regions, storing a ten-day supply per person is a safer target. Don’t forget to account for pets.
What food is best to store in a hurricane emergency kit?
Focus on non-perishable, no-cook items — canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, crackers, and dried fruit. Choose foods your household will actually eat, and check expiration dates at the start of every hurricane season. A manual can opener is essential and easy to overlook.
How often should I update my hurricane emergency kit?
At the start of every hurricane season — May is ideal. Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications. Replace batteries, recharge portable power banks, and confirm that all documents in your kit are current. Treat it as an annual routine rather than a one-time task.
Don’t Forget Pets and Special Needs
If you have pets, include food, water, medications, and carriers in your emergency supplies. If anyone in your household has special medical needs or mobility limitations, factor those requirements into your planning well before hurricane season.
Paul Davis Restoration of Miami Beach and Hialeah recommends building your kit by May at the latest. And if a hurricane does cause damage to your home, our team is available 24/7 for emergency response and full property restoration.
Call us before or after the storm: 305-787-2260
Paul Davis Restoration of Miami Beach and Hialeah serves Miami Beach, Hialeah, Doral, Aventura, and surrounding South Florida communities.
