As the 2025 hurricane season intensifies, and with forecasts predicting above-average activity, seniors with pets living along Florida’s Gulf Coast must take proactive steps toward hurricane preparedness to stay safe. Whether you live independently, rely on mobility aids, drive (or not), here are five practical ways to prepare for the storm.
1. Make a Personalized Evacuation Plan
Start by identifying whether you live in an evacuation zone. Use Florida’s Know Your Zone tool to check. If evacuation is recommended:
- No car? Contact your county’s emergency management office to register for transportation assistance. Many counties offer free rides to shelters for seniors and those with disabilities.
- Pet considerations: Locate pet-friendly shelters in advance. Some counties, like Charlotte and Collier, have pet friendly shelters. Lee County has designated pet shelters where animals are housed separately, but near, their owners.
- Hotel option: Reserve a pet-friendly hotel room early. Websites like PetsWelcome.com list accommodations that accept animals. Ask about elevators, generators, and ADA accessibility.
2. Pack a Senior-Friendly Emergency Kit for Hurricane Preparedness
Your hurricane kit should sustain you and your pet for at least 7 days. The kit should include:
- Medications (with copies of prescriptions)
- Medical devices (CPAP, oxygen tanks, batteries)
- Flashlights, a battery-powered fan, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries
- Non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person or pet per day)
- Pet food, leash, carrier, vaccination records, and ID tags
- Important documents in a waterproof folder (ID, insurance, medical history)
- A list of emergency contacts
- A printed copy of your evacuation plan
If you use a caregiver service, ask if they can accompany you during evacuation. Some agencies, like EasyLiving, offer this support with advance notice.
Related: Protect Your Home and Yard this Hurricane Season
3. Prepare Your Pets
Leaving pets behind is not only heartbreaking—it’s now illegal in Florida during declared disasters. Under Trooper’s Law, abandoning or improperly restraining animals during a hurricane can result in felony charges.
To protect your pets:
- Microchip them and update ID tags
- Keep a recent photo of you with your pet (for proof of ownership)
- Practice crate training in case you need to shelter or travel
- Pack a pet emergency kit with food, water, meds, and comfort items
4. If You Shelter in Place
If you’re not in a mandatory evacuation zone and choose to stay home:
- Ensure you have a backup power source if you rely on medical equipment
- Stock up on shelf-stable food, water, and pet supplies
- Secure windows with shutters or plywood
- Move valuables and electronics to higher ground in case of flooding
- Let family or neighbors know your plan and check in regularly
Keep in mind that after storms like Hurricane Milton, some seniors were left without power for over a week. If you’re unsure about staying, err on the side of caution.
Related: Emergency Preparedness: Ways to Help Loved Ones with Dementia
5. Stay Informed and Connected
- Sign up for local emergency alerts via text or email
- Keep a battery-powered radio for updates if the power goes out
- Know when public transit will shut down: most services stop when winds reach 35-40 mph
- Have a list of local shelters, hospitals, and emergency contacts printed and stored in your kit
Related: Gear Junkie’s List of Best Emergency Radios in 2025
Final Thought:
Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about supplies—it’s about having a plan that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a senior with mobility challenges, no vehicle, or a furry companion, taking action now can make all the difference when the winds start to howl.
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