Hurricane Preparedness in the Florida Keys: A Practical Guide from Locals Who Live It

Lifestyle
May 27, 2025

Living in the Florida Keys comes with many rewards—crystal-clear waters, island charm, and a one-of-a-kind lifestyle. But as locals with deep roots here since the 1950s, we know that hurricane preparedness is simply part of island life. Whether you're a full-time resident, a vacation homeowner, or a new buyer considering a Keys property, understanding how to prepare for hurricanes is critical—not just for safety, but for peace of mind.

As your trusted real estate team, we’re not just here to help you buy or sell—we’re here to help you live well and confidently in the Keys. Here’s what you need to know.

Are the Florida Keys Safe from Hurricanes?

The Florida Keys are not immune to hurricanes—we sit squarely in the path of Atlantic and Gulf storms. But the question isn’t if hurricanes happen, it’s how we prepare for them. With strict building codes, updated forecasting tools, and one of the most experienced emergency management teams in Florida, the Keys are well-equipped for storm season.

The truth? Yes, storms come—but safety comes from planning ahead, not panicking late.

When Is Hurricane Season in Florida?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with September being the most active and highest-risk month. That doesn’t mean you wait until September to prepare. In the Keys, locals start preparing in May and stay alert throughout the season.

5 Key Things to Do to Prepare for a Hurricane in the Florida Keys

  1. Have an Evacuation Plan (and Use It)
    Know your evacuation route—usually north on US-1—and pre-arrange a place to stay. Keep your gas tank full during active months and have a “go bag” ready. Don’t wait for the last ferry out—leave early.
  2. Secure Your Property
    Install storm shutters or reinforce windows with plywood, secure outdoor furniture, and trim trees in advance. Waterfront homeowners: tie down boats, lift them if possible, and double-check dock lines.
  3. Assemble a Hurricane Kit
    Stock it with at least 3–7 days’ worth of supplies (see our list below). Include food, water, cash, medications, important documents, flashlights, and backup power sources.
  4. Stay Informed with Real Sources
    Sign up for Monroe County emergency alerts, listen to NOAA weather updates, and follow local government announcements—not just social media chatter.
  5. Document Your Home
    Take photos and videos of your property and belongings for insurance purposes. Store these digitally and in hard copy.

What to Include in a Hurricane Kit

  • 1 gallon of water per person per day
  • Non-perishable food
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Portable chargers and power banks
  • First aid kit and prescription meds
  • Copies of ID, insurance policies, and property records
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Cash (ATMs may be down)
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer
  • Basic tools and duct tape
  • Whistle, tarp, and emergency blanket

What’s the Safest Room in the House During a Hurricane?

Interior rooms without windows—like closets, bathrooms, or hallways—are typically the safest places to shelter in place. If you live in a low-lying or mobile home, follow evacuation orders and seek a more secure structure well before landfall.

What Should I Do With My Car?

  • Fill the gas tank early (gas shortages happen fast)
  • Park in a garage or against a building, away from trees and power lines
  • Move vehicles to higher ground if possible
  • Don’t attempt to drive through flooded roads—just 6 inches of moving water can sweep a car away

What NOT to Do During a Hurricane

  • Don’t ignore evacuation orders. The Keys are low-lying and vulnerable—evacuations save lives.
  • Don’t tape windows. It doesn’t prevent breakage.
  • Don’t use candles. Fire risk increases during outages—use battery-powered lights instead.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute. Roads out of the Keys can back up quickly.

What Do People in the Keys Do During a Hurricane?

As locals, we watch the forecasts closely. Most residents prepare early, evacuate when necessary, and return when it's safe. We’ve seen the community pull together time and again, and with each storm, we become even more resilient.

Returning Home After a Hurricane

Coming back to your home after a storm is emotional—but caution is key.

According to Ready.gov, follow these safety steps:

  • Wait for official clearance before returning
  • Bring supplies (clean water, flashlights, first aid) with you
  • Watch out for downed power lines, unstable structures, or debris
  • Don’t enter your home if you smell gas or see structural damage
  • Take photos for insurance before cleanup begins
  • Avoid using flood-contaminated tap water
  • Open windows to ventilate, and wear protective gear during cleanup

If you're a seasonal homeowner or investor, make sure your local contacts (property managers, neighbors, or our team) know how to reach you and check on your property.

🌪️ Hurricane Preparedness Resources

Whether you're a full-time resident or seasonal homeowner in the Florida Keys, these trusted resources will help you stay informed, ready, and safe:

1. Ready.gov – Hurricanes

The official federal guide for hurricane preparedness, evacuation, and recovery.
📎 www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Includes:
• Step-by-step prep checklists
• Post-storm safety tips
• Emergency alerts and app info

2. Monroe County Emergency Management – Hurricane Preparedness

Local information specific to the Florida Keys, including evacuation zones, shelters, and storm updates.
📎 www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hurricane
Includes:
• Real-time updates on road closures and reentry
• Shelter openings and pet planning
• Evacuation zone maps

3. NOAA National Hurricane Center

The most up-to-date storm tracking, forecasts, and advisories.
📎 www.nhc.noaa.gov
Includes:
• Live storm tracking
• Hurricane cone projections
• Wind speed probabilities

4. Florida Division of Emergency Management

State-wide coordination and disaster preparedness resources.
📎 www.floridadisaster.org
Includes:
• Disaster supply kits
• Insurance and FEMA contacts
• State shelter information

5. Monroe County Alert System

Sign up for local emergency alerts, road status updates, and evacuation orders.
📎 Alert Monroe Signup

6. The Lindback Team Hurricane Readiness Guide

Want a personalized hurricane readiness walkthrough or help assessing your property’s storm prep?
📩 Contact us today or call our team—local, experienced, and ready to help you plan ahead.

💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark these links and keep printed copies in your emergency kit—digital access may be limited during and after storms.

From Your Real Estate Partners Who Call the Keys Home

At The Lindback Team, we’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate every kind of market—and every kind of storm. If you own a home here or are considering investing in one, we’re here not just to help you through the real estate process, but to be a long-term resource for what it means to live well in the Florida Keys.

From staging homes with storm-readiness in mind to helping new buyers understand flood zones and insurance, we take preparedness seriously—because we live it ourselves.

Have questions about buying or selling in hurricane-prone areas? Want help assessing a home’s storm readiness?
We’re just a call away.