From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County officials are urging residents to build or refresh their hurricane emergency kits as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins. Emergency management experts recommend having enough food, water, medications, and essential supplies on hand to support every member of a household for at least three days. Officials say preparing before a storm threatens Central Florida can reduce stress, improve safety, and help families respond more effectively during emergencies.
*****
Hurricane season is here, and Orange County is encouraging residents to take a simple but important preparedness step: build or refresh an emergency supply kit before a storm is on the horizon.
When severe weather threatens Central Florida, stores can quickly run out of essential items, and long lines can make last-minute shopping stressful. Preparing early helps families stay safe, reduces anxiety, and ensures they have what they need if conditions change quickly.
Related: Hurricane forecasts have improved dramatically, saving lives, but federal cuts threaten to stretch NOAA resources to breaking point.
An emergency supply kit is a collection of essential items your household may need during a disaster. Experts recommend having enough supplies to sustain each member of your family for at least 72 hours. That includes food, water, and other necessities that support health, safety, and communication.
“Ahead of hurricane season is the best time to prepare,” said Carlos Durden, Assistant Manager, Office of Emergency Management. “Having a kit ready allows residents to focus on staying safe rather than scrambling for supplies at the last minute.”
At the core of every kit are a few critical items. Residents should plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day, along with a three-day supply of non-perishable food. A flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio are also essential, especially in the event of power outages.
Beyond the basics, families are encouraged to tailor their kits to meet their specific needs. This may include prescription medications, important documents stored in waterproof containers, hygiene items, and supplies for infants or young children. Pet owners should also remember to include food, water, and any necessary items for their animals.
Comfort and communication matter as well. Items such as cell phone chargers, backup batteries, blankets, and even books or games for children can help families stay connected and maintain a sense of normalcy during an emergency.
Location is another key factor. Emergency kits should be easy to access at home and, when possible, duplicated for use at work or in vehicles. A portable “grab-and-go” bag can make evacuations quicker and more organized if they become necessary.
Taking time now to prepare can make a significant difference later. With hurricane season here, Orange County encourages residents to review their plans, check supplies, and make any needed updates.
Key Points:
- Orange County is encouraging residents to assemble or update emergency supply kits at the start of hurricane season.
- Experts recommend enough food, water, and supplies to support each household member for at least 72 hours.
- Essential items include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and battery-powered radios.
- Residents should customize kits with medications, important documents, infant supplies, pet necessities, and communication devices.
- Emergency officials say early preparation can reduce anxiety, improve safety, and help families respond more effectively when storms threaten.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the Orange County Office of Emergency Management.
