---
title: The Benefits of Having a Disaster Plan
description: Hurricane season is just around the corner. It officially begins June 1, and forecasters are expecting an active season for 2024.
---

[First Federal Bank Blog ](https://blog.ffbf.com)

# [The Benefits of Having a Disaster Plan](https://blog.ffbf.com/the-benefits-of-having-a-disaster-plan)

 Written by [First Federal Bank](https://blog.ffbf.com/author/first-federal-bank) | May 20, 2024 2:00:00 PM Z

Hurricane season is just around the corner. It officially begins June 1, and forecasters are expecting an active season for 2024. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has [developed a guide](https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/fdem-hurricane-guide-2024.pdf) to help residents prepare to keep their families and [their property safe](https://blog.ffbf.com/protect-your-assets-during-hurricane-season). It includes important steps you should be taking now to ensure you are in the best position possible should a tropical system impact your area in the future:

***Complete a Personal Assessment ***

*Make a list of your personal needs and your resources for meeting them in a disaster environment. *

***Get Educated, Get Informed ***

*Know the specific hazards that threaten your community (hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, etc.). Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems. Know your community's evacuation routes.*

***Prepare an Emergency Kit ***

*Stock enough supplies to last every individual in your home at least seven days. Include items for your pets in your emergency kit. Don’t forget to include nonperishable food, water, batteries, and medications. This *[*Disaster Supply Checklist*](https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/plan--prepare/disaster-supply-checklist.pdf)* can help you gather all you will need.** *

***Know Your Home, Know Your Zone ***

*Visit *[*FloridaDisaster.org/Know*](http://floridadisaster.org/Know)* to learn what evacuation zone you live in. Know your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds and decide in advance whether or not you will evacuate.*

***Make a Plan for Your Pets ***

*Include medications, vet paperwork, collars with ID tags, and sturdy leashes in your kit. Don't forget to pack your pet's favorite toys and comfort items. NEVER leave your pets behind. If you plan to head to a shelter, figure out ahead of time which ones accept pets. *

***Utilities ***

*Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches and valves. Keep any tools you will need near gas and water shut-off valves. Turn off utilities only if you suspect lines are damaged or if local officials instruct you to do so.*

***Safety Devices ***

*Be sure you know where your fire extinguishers are located and how to use them. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near the bedrooms. Several times a year, test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.*

***Insurance Coverage ***

*Check with your insurance agent or carrier to make sure you have *[*the level of coverage*](https://blog.ffbf.com/what-home-insurance-actually-covers)* you desire.*

***Important Records & Documents ***

*Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, financial, insurance, medical/immunization records, and copies of current bills) in a safe deposit box or other safe location. *

***First Aid/CPR & AED ***

*Take first aid and CPR/AED classes (American Red Cross courses can accommodate people with disabilities - just discuss your needs when registering for the classes).*

***Inventory Home Possessions ***

*Make a record of your possessions - in writing or video - to help you claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage. *

***Reduce Home Hazards ***

*Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves. Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds. Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.*

***Retrofitting Your Home ***

*The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it's important to *[*strengthen the exterior*](https://blog.ffbf.com/what-windows-are-right-for-your-home)* of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing five critical areas...*

For more tips, you can review the full Hurricane Guide [here](https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/fdem-hurricane-guide-2024.pdf). And don’t forget, if you live in Florida you can SAVE on essential hurricane supplies! The Florida legislature approved two sales tax holidays for 2024. The first will run from **June 1st -14th**, the second from **August 24th – September 6th**. Here is a brief overview of what you can purchase tax free during these time periods:

For a full list of eligible items, visit [FloridaRevenue.com](https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/Pages/default.aspx).

Of course, no one wants to have to [face a disaster](https://blog.ffbf.com/picking-up-the-pieces-after-storms-damage-your-home). But there is no way to completely avoid the risk. Being prepared is your best defense. Follow these steps, and you can rest assured your family will be ready for anything that might come your way. First Federal Bank wishes you a safe hurricane season!

[View full post](https://blog.ffbf.com/the-benefits-of-having-a-disaster-plan)

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