Hurricane Announcements

We hope that you find thIS information helpful!

Preparedness: pre·pared·ness noun The state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action.

Recovery: re·cov·ery noun A return to a normal or healthy condition.

~ The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

In a nutshell … When “THEY” tell you to prepare, “THEY” are telling you to take responsibility for yourself, your family, your pet(s), your property, your possessions, etc. You know your needs and your family’s needs better than “THEY” do. Don’t wait for “THEM” to come and help before, during, or after a storm or disaster, or give you a handout, or come to your aid or rescue. You have the power first to act for yourself and your family, so get ready now!

TIP: You may want to print and save the information on this and the hyperlinked pages now as you may not have power or an internet connection before, during, or after a storm.

It’s time to prepare for hurricanes

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025 with the season generally peaking in September.

On May 5, 2025, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) released a call to prepare, listing must-do items for Floridians, such as knowing your evacuation zone and building a hurricane preparedness kit among many others.

You have to prepare and plan that we are going to have impacts from hurricanes!

Some essential steps from the FDEM are:

Know Your Risk
- Know Your Zone, Know Your Home - It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home, or an unsafe structure. It is also important to know your home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help you better interpret orders from local officials during a storm. For more information and to determine evacuation zones, visit KnowZoneHome.
Prepare Before Hurricane Season
- Build a Kit – Identify items your household may need on hand during and after a hurricane. Essentials of a kit should include enough non-perishable food and water to last each member of your family for at least seven days, extra medication, and important personal documents. For a complete checklist, visit DisasterSupplyKit.
Understand Forecast Information
- Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts – You should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all directions from local officials. Have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure you can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers. Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertFlorida.
Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
- Make a Plan – You should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of everyone in your household, including consideration of children, pets, and seniors. Visit PlanPrepare for more information. Plans should also consider where to go and what to do in the event of evacuation. You only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds, to reach a safer, more inland location or shelter.
- Keep Gas Tanks Half Full – You should keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full to ensure you have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. If you have an electric vehicle, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% of capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit HalfwayFull for more information.
Stay Protected During Storms
- Stay inside, stay safe, and stay put. Do not attempt to go outside until the wind has calmed and local officials have deemed that the threat has passed.
Use Caution After Storms
- After a storm passes danger is still present. There may be downed power lines, hazardous debris, or displaced wildlife. Never enter flooded areas whether it be on foot or in a vehicle, and exercise extreme caution when cleaning up the areas around or in your home.
Take Action Today
- Resources are available at FloridaDisaster.org. Local county emergency management offices are also a great resource.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide to download the full Florida Hurricane Guide for more information on ways to prepare for hurricane season.

Follow FDEM on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for weather updates, safety tips, and essential preparedness information.

Posted 05/31/2025

Source: Paraphrased and/or copied from the Florida Division of Emergency Management website

Also check the Hurricane PREPARATION webpage on this website for additional information.

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA - REDUCE WATER USAGE DURING STORMS

Before, during, and after a storm, it is crucial for residents to help reduce strain on the sewer systems by conserving water. Storm surge and heavy rainfall will inundate the sewer system, making it difficult for wastewater to flow properly. By limiting water use before, during, and directly after the storm — such as avoiding long showers, laundry, and excessive flushing — residents can help reduce the risk of sewer backups and overflows that could lead to contamination and further flood damage. Your cooperation can make a big difference in minimizing infrastructure stress.

For more information contact the City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department at (941) 575-5088 or Utilities@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com.

Posted 05/29/2025

Source: The City of Punta Gorda shared this information before Hurricanes Helene and Milton in a Media Advisory dated 10/09/2024

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA - POTENTIAL SEWER SYSTEM IMPACTS DURING HEAVY RAINS AND STORM SURGE

The City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department reminds residents to be aware of the potential effects of excessive rainfall and storm surge on the City’s sanitary sewer system.

While the City's sanitary sewer system is designed to handle wastewater efficiently, extreme weather conditions, such as those experienced during a hurricane, can overwhelm the system. This may result in temporary backups and overflows. Such conditions are largely driven by the volume of rain and storm surge, which can lead to standing water, property damage, and potential health risks.

Residents are advised to be aware of the following potential effects:

Sewer Backups: In rare instances, excessive rainfall can lead to infiltration of the sewer system, which may cause temporary backups in homes or businesses.
Contaminated Water: Sewer overflows can introduce contaminants into standing water and nearby bodies of water, creating a possible public health risk.
Property Damage: Flooding during heavy rain and storm surge can result in property damage.

Posted 05/29/2025

Source: The City of Punta Gorda shared this information before Hurricanes Helene and Milton in a Media Advisory dated 10/05/2024

FLOIR - NEW Wind Mitigation Resources Webpage

From the FL Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) …

“Hurricane Season starts June 1st and the Office of Insurance Regulation is providing a new resource on FLOIR.com to encourage Floridians to be proactive and take measures to prevent and reduce windstorm losses. The new webpage provides details for consumers regarding the process of requesting a wind mitigation inspection, updating and submitting necessary wind mitigation forms, obtaining information about mitigation programs available, as well as other mitigation resources to benefit consumers.”

If the above link to the webpage doesn’t work, the webpage may be found HERE.

Posted 05/27/2025

Source: FLOIR Press Release dated 05/27/2025