Aerial shot of a hurricane and Florida.

Hurricane Preparedness

Getting Ready for Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 each year and lasts through November 30. Hurricanes are one of nature's most powerful and destructive forces. You must consider a hurricane a serious, life-threatening situation and take necessary measures to ensure your family’s safety well in advance of hurricane season.

For the 2024 season, NOAA is predicting another above average season with 17-25 named storms, 8-13 of which are predicted to become hurricanes with 4-7 major hurricanes reaching Category 3, 4 or 5. This year as with every season, you should review your hurricane emergency plans, including having enough supplies on hand and planning where to safely shelter if an evacuation is ordered. Take time now to make sure you are ready.

Eastern Florida State College has provided information about the following topics, collected from a variety of sources, to assist students, faculty and staff with their personal preparations for the tropical storm season. Also be sure you've signed up to receive emergency notifications via text, email and phone through EFSC's Titan Alerts system. EFSC students, faculty and staff should log into the myEFSC portal and click the Titan Alerts link to update their contact information. UCF students, faculty and staff impacted by Brevard regional campuses at EFSC can also sign up for alerts. Rest assured that the EFSC team will carefully monitor any threatening storms and make every effort to keep you informed. In addition to updates on the website and social media, you can call the 24/7 recorded hotline at 1-888-609-3313 during an emergency.

— Joe Ambrose, EFSC Emergency Manager/Collegewide Security Chief

Resources: Click topic for details

Hurricane Watch

Indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family’s disaster plan, and protective measures should be taken, especially those actions that require extra time, such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.

Hurricane Warning

Indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

Hurricane Scale

Hurricane Hazards

Before the Storm Suggestions

Home Preparedness Recommendations

Emergency Supply Kit

First Aid Kit – Recommended Items for Your Home and Car(s)

Important Documents – Keep in a Waterproof, Portable Container

Note: Take photos of important documents for storing on your cellphone in case of emergency

Pet Planning – Ensure the safety and well-being of your pets if you need to evacuate

Evacuation-Related Information

Evacuate if you:

Shelter Information

Special Needs Shelter Information

Stay Informed