Don’t Wait! Hurricane Prep Guide for The Villages, FL

Written By Tiffany TVE

Hurricane Preparedness: A Comprehensive Guide for Residents of The Villages, Florida

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🌪️ Introduction: The Calm Before the Storm

Living in The Villages, Florida, is like being on a permanent vacation—until hurricane season rolls around. The Villages, Florida, offers a vibrant lifestyle with its active community and numerous amenities. However, as residents of a coastal state, we must remain vigilant during hurricane season. The 2025 hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and experts predict an above-normal season, with a 60% chance of 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. In this guide, we share our personal experiences and insights on preparing for hurricanes, ensuring the safety and well-being of our household and loved ones. Go ahead and be prepared now, this will help you to not panic later.

Understanding Our Risk in The Villages

The Villages, FL spans three counties: Sumter, Lake, and Marion. Each county has its own emergency management protocols and evacuation plans. While The Villages is located inland, it's essential to recognize that hurricanes can cause widespread power outages, flooding, and other hazards that may impact our area. Being prepared ensures that we can remain self-sufficient and safe during and after a storm. Think of it as the storm’s way of saying, “I’ll just drop by for a visit.” We have experienced a couple hurricanes while living in Central Florida. One time we evacuated and one time we did not. So, whether you're in the heart of The Villages or near the outskirts, it's still essential to be prepared.

📻 1. Stay Informed: Monitoring Weather and Alerts

Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s also safety. Here are some resources we use:

  • NOAA: We always watch the NOAA for up-to-date, factual coverage. Some channels will offer sensational coverage and push fear.

  • Denis Phillips on Facebook: We appreciate his caution, humor and knowledge! Be sure to check out Rule #7.

  • Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM): Updates on shelters, evacuation routes, and emergency information.

  • Alert Florida: A free service that sends emergency alerts via text, email, or voice message. You can register at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida.

  • Sumter County: Alert Center

    Sumter County provides an Alert Center where residents can view current alerts and emergencies. To receive notifications directly, you can sign up for the Sumter County Alert System. This system delivers timely information about evacuations, shelters, and road closures.

  • Lake County: AlertLake

    Lake County utilizes the AlertLake system, powered by Everbridge, to send emergency notifications. Residents can register to receive alerts via text, email, or phone call. This system provides critical information before, during, and after a storm.

  • Marion County: Smart911

    Marion County employs Smart911, a service that allows residents to create a safety profile with information that can be used by emergency responders. By registering, you can receive emergency alerts tailored to your specific needs and location.

And, of course, we keep a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio to receive updates during power outages. Because who doesn’t love a good weather update with a side of static? We actually keep our NOAA emergency radio all year to alert us to tornadoes!

📋 2. Develop a Family Emergency Plan

It’s not just about knowing where the flashlight is; it’s about having a plan.

  • Communication: Establish a family meeting point and a contact person outside the affected area.

  • Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters.

  • Health: Make sure all prescriptions are filled throughout hurricane season.

  • Special Needs: If you or a family member has special medical needs, register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry at FloridaDisaster.org/SpecialNeeds.

Also ensure that y pets are included in our plan, identifying pet-friendly shelters and preparing their emergency kits. After all, they’re part of the family—even if they refuse to evacuate without their favorite squeaky toy.

🛒 3. Assemble a Comprehensive Emergency Kit

Our disaster supply kit is like a mini-mart in a bin. It includes:

  • Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least seven days.

  • Food: Non-perishable items such as canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits. We also love tuna pouches and Chomps meat sticks for protein.

  • Medications: A seven-day supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

  • First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and other basic medical supplies.

  • Tools and Supplies: Flashlights, batteries, multi-tool, duct tape, and a manual can opener. Don’t forget rechargeable fans. No

  • Communication Devices: Chargers, power banks, and a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio.

  • Personal Items: Clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and important documents in waterproof containers. Don’t forget items to keep you occupied and calm such as puzzle books, deck of cards, games, and don’t forget to charge your Kindle!

    For a detailed checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.

    Check out all of our Hurricane Prep supplies in our AMAZON SHOP.

💸 4. Take Advantage of Florida's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

The first 2 weeks of June, Florida usually offers a sales tax holiday on disaster preparedness supplies, allowing residents to purchase items tax-free. This year, there is a delay due to budget debates. Eligible items usually include:

  • Water: Bottled water and water storage containers.

  • Food: Non-perishable food items such as canned goods and energy bars.

  • Batteries and Flashlights: Flashlights, lanterns, and batteries.

  • Generators and Tarps: Portable generators, tarps, and other essential equipment.

  • 🐾Pet Supplies: Food, cat litter, leashes/collars and disposable bags.

    This is an excellent opportunity to stock up on necessary supplies without the added cost of sales tax. Keep visiting FloridaDisaster.org/Kit to watch for updates.

🛡️ 5. Secure Your Home and Property

Take proactive steps to protect your home by:

  • Trimming Trees and Shrubs: Removing dead or weak branches to prevent damage during high winds.

  • Sealing Roof Vents and Gaps: Preventing water intrusion by sealing potential entry points, including roof vents and garage doors.

  • Protecting Golf Carts: Be sure to find a safe place to have your golf cart inside. If you don’t have space, ask a neighbor who might not be in town if you could use their garage.

And let’s not forget the all-important task of securing the patio furniture—because nothing says “I’m ready for a storm” like flying cushions and aluminum birds. Bring anything that is not planted in the ground inside! We have found that everyone in The Villages is so neighborly and will help each other out, especially if you are not in town.

🚗 6. Evacuation Planning and Routes

While The Villages is not in a primary evacuation zone, it's essential to be prepared. You usually need to evacuate miles, not to a different state.

  • Know Your Zone: Use the Florida Division of Emergency Management's Evacuation Zone Tool to determine your zone.

  • Plan Multiple Routes: Identify several evacuation routes in case of road closures or heavy traffic.

  • Stay Informed: Monitor local news and official channels for evacuation orders and shelter openings.

🏘️ 7. County-Specific Resources

Sumter County:

Lake County:

Marion County:

Conclusion

Preparing for hurricane season is essential for the safety and well-being of our community. By staying informed, developing a comprehensive emergency plan, assembling necessary supplies, and utilizing county-specific resources, we can ensure that we are ready to face any challenges that may arise. Remember, it's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Stay safe, and let's work together to protect our homes and loved ones!

Check out a couple of our videos about our experience with hurricanes in The Villages, FL!

THE VILLAGES® is a registered trademark of Holding Company of The Villages, Inc.

Michael and Tiffany TVE is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Holding Company of The Villages, Inc. or its affiliated entities.

Tiffany TVE
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