Hurricanes are a serious threat to Florida’s Gulf Coast residents. The information below can help you and your family be prepared, protected and informed before a disaster strikes. Below is a list of helpful tips, tools and contacts to help you prepare before, during and after a storm. In addition to what is provided here, I encourage you to seek additional information and resources so that you and your family are safe.
PREPARING FOR HURRICANES:
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane:
- The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st and ends November 30th
- Hurricane watch: a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate.
- Hurricane warning: a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
HURRICINE PREPAREDNESS TIPS
- Document your property: Take clear photos of your home and valuables before a storm. This will help if you need to make an insurance claim after a hurricane.
- Build an emergency supply kit: Stock up on supplies and essential items like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications and more. Refer to Congressman Buchanan’s Emergency Supply Kit below. For a full checklist, visit ready.gov/kit.
- Maintain generator safety: Keep generators outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
- Know your evacuation zone: Go to FloridaDisaster.org and enter your address to find out which zone you are located in.
- Sign up for emergency alerts:
- Manatee County: Text “MANATEEREADY” to 888777 or visit mymanatee.org/storm. For local questions or to report storm-related issues, call 311. Updates are also posted on Manatee County’s social media channels on Facebook, X and Instagram via @ManateeGov.
- Hillsborough County: Visit HCFL Alert to sign up for notifications. For flood zones, shelter information and operational status, go to hcfl.gov/staysafe or call 833-HC-STORM (833-427-8676). Updates are also posted on Hillsborough County’s social media channels on Facebook, X and Instagram via @HillsboroughFL.
- Put safety first: Your life and your family’s safety are more important than any material belongings. If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately.
CONGRESSMAN BUCHANAN'S EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- Medications (two-week minimum supply)
- Important documents (in a waterproof container)
- Insurance cards
- Bank information
- SSN cards, birth and marriage certificates
- Important phone numbers
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food and can-opener
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Moist towelettes and garbage bags for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Cell phone chargers and power banks
- Battery-powered radio
PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM HITS:
- Cover all of your homes' windows with plywood or hurricane shutters.
- Pull all outdoor furniture inside and secure all potential projectiles.
- If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
- Make an evacuation plan for yourself and your family. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit for yourself and your family.
- Have an evacuation supply kit packed in case you have to leave your home.
- Plan how you will care for your pets.
IF YOU MUST EVACUATE:
- Turn off water, gas and electricity when you leave your house.
- Lock the door and windows behind you.
- Bring important papers such as birth certificates and marriage licenses.
CONGRESSMAN BUCHANAN’S PHONE BOOK:
Local Emergency Contacts
- Manatee County
- Sign Up for Alerts: Text "MANATEEREADY" to 888777
- Storm Info: www.mymanatee.org/storm
- Phone: 311
- Social Media: @ManateeGov
- Hillsborough County
- Sign Up for Alerts: HCFL Alert
- Storm Info: www.hcfl.gov/staysafe
- Phone: 833-HC-STORM (833-427-8676)
- Social Media: @HillsboroughFL
State Resources
- Florida Division of Emergency Management
- Phone: (850) 815-4000
- Website: www.FloridaDisaster.org
- Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL)
- Phone: 1-800-342-3557
Federal Resources
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Phone: 1-800-621-3362
- Website: www.FEMA.gov
- Disaster Recovery Center Locator: www.fema.gov/DRC
More Local Resources
- American Red Cross – General Hotlines
- Daily Hotline: 386-226-1400
- Crisis Info Line: 866-GET-INFO
- Southwest Florida Chapter
- Phone: (941) 379-9300
- Tampa Bay Chapter
- Phone: (813) 348-4820
MAKING SURE OUR COMMUNITIES ARE READY AND RESILIENT:
Buchanan co-chaired a bipartisan Florida delegation hearing in April 2025 focused on hurricane recovery and infrastructure resilience.
Following three devastating storms in 2024, the hearing emphasized the need for faster federal coordination and greater support for small businesses. Buchanan called for stronger partnerships between federal, state, and local governments and smarter investments in disaster resilience.
Watch his remarks here.
MY OFFICE IS HERE TO HELP
As always, my office is here to serve you. If you need assistance with hurricane recovery, FEMA, or any federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my main office.
- Bradenton District Office: (941) 951-6643
- 8433 Enterprise Circle, Suite 210
- Bradenton, FL 34202
We’re here to help before, during, and after a storm.
HELPFUL FLORIDA LINKS:
- Florida Division of Emergency Management
- Manatee County Emergency Management
- Hillsborough County Emergency Management
- American Red Cross of Southwest Florida
HELPFUL FEDERAL LINKS:
- National Weather Service
- National Hurricane Center
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (1-800-621-FEMA)
- FCC – Emergency Alert System
