Living in Northwest Florida comes with plenty to love—from beautiful Gulf Coast beaches to outdoor living and close-knit communities. It also means being prepared for hurricane season.

Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with the most active part of the season typically occurring in late summer and early fall. For homeowners in Milton, Navarre, and throughout Northwest Florida, preparing ahead of time can make a big difference when severe weather approaches.

The best time to get ready isn't when a storm is already in the forecast. Here are some practical steps you can take now to prepare your home and household for hurricane season.

Know Your Evacuation Zone and Have a Plan

One of the most important things you can do before a storm is know your evacuation zone.

In Santa Rosa County, evacuation zones identify areas that may be affected by storm surge. Your evacuation zone is different from your FEMA flood zone, so it's important to know both.

Take time to identify your evacuation zone, understand possible evacuation routes, and decide where you would go if local officials issue an evacuation order. Your household plan should also account for pets, medications, important documents, transportation, and family members who may need additional assistance.

Most importantly, always follow instructions from local emergency management officials when a storm threatens the area.

Prepare Your Hurricane Supply Kit

Waiting until a hurricane is approaching can mean crowded stores and limited supplies. Having the basics ready ahead of time gives you one less thing to worry about.

Consider keeping essentials such as:

• Water and nonperishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable chargers or power banks
• A battery-powered or NOAA weather radio
• First-aid supplies and necessary medications
• Pet food and supplies
• Important documents in a protected location
• Cash and basic personal necessities

Check your kit periodically throughout hurricane season and replace anything that has expired or is no longer working.

Get the Outside of Your Home Storm-Ready

High winds can turn everyday outdoor items into hazards.

When severe weather is approaching, bring in or securely store patio furniture, grills, planters, toys, garden tools, and other loose items. Keep trees and shrubs maintained, and check your property for anything that could become airborne during high winds.

It's also a good idea to keep gutters and drainage areas clear and have a plan for vehicles, boats, and other outdoor equipment.

Taking care of these things before a storm is nearby can save valuable preparation time later.

Protect Your Windows and Garage Door

Windows, exterior doors, and garage doors deserve special attention when preparing for severe weather.

Herbst Homes include wind-rated garage doors, an important feature for homes in Northwest Florida.

Herbst homeowners are also provided with custom-fit fabric storm shields for their windows, along with the hardware needed for installation. Because the shields are made specifically for the home's window openings, keep the shields and their hardware together in a safe, accessible location.

Don't wait until a storm is approaching to locate them. Take time beforehand to know where your storm shields are stored and familiarize yourself with the installation process so you're prepared if you need to use them.

These features are part of preparing a home for severe weather, but no home or product should be considered “hurricane-proof.” Always follow official storm preparation and evacuation guidance.

Keep Important Information Accessible

Hurricane preparation isn't only about physical supplies.

Keep your homeowners insurance information, identification, emergency contacts, important financial documents, and other essential records somewhere you can access them quickly. Taking photos or videos of your home and belongings before a storm can also help maintain a current record of your property.

If you store important information digitally, consider keeping a secure backup that you can access if your primary device isn't available.

Stay Informed as a Storm Approaches

Hurricane forecasts and conditions can change, so rely on trusted sources for information.

The National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, and Santa Rosa County Emergency Management provide official forecasts, watches and warnings, evacuation information, and local emergency updates.

As a storm approaches, continue monitoring official information and give yourself plenty of time to complete preparations. If an evacuation order is issued for your area, follow the instructions provided by local officials.

New to Northwest Florida? Prepare Before Your First Storm

If you've recently moved to Northwest Florida from an area where hurricanes aren't common, preparing for one may be completely new.

Start with the basics: learn your evacuation zone, build an emergency kit, understand how to prepare your home, locate your storm protection materials, and identify the trusted local sources you'll use for weather information.

A little preparation well before a storm approaches can make hurricane season much easier to navigate.

Preparation Is Part of Living in Northwest Florida

We can't control the weather, but we can take practical steps to be better prepared for it.

At Herbst Homes, we build for the place we call home. From wind-rated garage doors to custom-fit fabric storm shields provided for your windows, preparing for Northwest Florida conditions is part of thoughtful homeownership.

Whether you've lived along the Emerald Coast for years or recently made Northwest Florida home, take some time this hurricane season to review your plan, check your supplies, and make sure your household and home are prepared.

Stay prepared, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe.