Disaster & Hurricane Preparedness

Always be prepared for a hurricane.  

Hurricane season runs from June through November. In most cases, it is better to prepare long before a storm is forecasted to hit the area. Here are a few things to consider:

Have an Emergency Plan

Determine how your family members can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. 

Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan: Different ages of members within your household; responsibilities for assisting others; locations frequented; dietary needs; medical needs including prescriptions and equipment; disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment; and pets.

Residents also can register with the Maitland Fire-Rescue Department if they have special medical needs. Call (407) 539-6226.

To learn more about hurricane planning and to download emergency planning forms, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency online. 

Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit

One of the most important steps is to create an emergency preparedness kit. This should include basic supplies and other necessities to survive for at least three days during an emergency. 

You may want to assemble at least two kits – one full kit at home and a smaller, portable kit for a workplace or vehicle where you often spend a lot of time.

The home kit ideally should be a large, sealable container that can be stored inside at room temperature. More than one container may be needed depending on the number of people in your home.

Here’s what you should include:

  • Clean water - one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Food. Have at least a three-day supply for each person in the home. Select non-perishable foods in cans or dry-mix packages that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Include a can opener and eating utensils.

    Make sure to choose foods that your family will eat and any dietary needs. Suggested items may include ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables or meals, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter, dried fruit, canned juices and food for infants (if needed).
  • First aid kit and a temporary supply of personal medications.
  • Flashlight and plenty of batteries.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
  • Personal hygiene items, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
  • Tools like a wrench or pliers.
  • Pet food (if needed).
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Fire extinguisher.
  • Matches in a waterproof container.
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities, pencils and paper.

Stay Informed

Sign up to receive emergency notifications from the City of Maitland.  

Creating an account is quick and easy. Choose to receive text messages and/or e-mail alerts from the city if this area is significantly impacted by a hurricane. You also may sign up for police and fire alerts for other types of local emergencies.

Always monitor local news and weather radio notifications for the latest weather activity. Keep an emergency preparedness kit at home, and coordinate a family response plan for each member of your home.

Download the FEMA app. Get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

Sign up for FEMA text messages to get updates from FEMA (standard message and data rates apply).