Hurricane season guide: 5 takeaways on what to do

This collection of stories informs readers about hurricane preparedness, focusing on safety measures and essential supplies. Articles explore the safety of staying in Miami high-rises during a storm and debunk myths about taping windows for protection. Kevin Guthrie, a Florida emergency management director, stresses the importance of checking a building's structural integrity before deciding to stay through a hurricane.

Another story highlights emergency contacts and evacuation zones in Miami, Broward and the Keys, emphasizing the role of local authorities. Practical steps like organizing essential documents and avoiding common mistakes during storms provide valuable insights. Finally, a guide explains the cost of preparing a hurricane kit, encouraging Floridians to plan ahead with non-perishable food and suitable supplies.

Read the stories below.

This file photo from Nov. 9, 2022, shows a Surfside beachgoer watching the breaking surf as Tropical Storm Nicole moved toward Florida. The weekend of Feb. 3-5, 2023, will not bring a tropical storm. But the scene could look as wet as storm chances are 70% in South Florida, with a forecast of gusty winds nearing 30 mph and thunderstorms. By Carl Juste

NO. 1: IS IT SAFE TO STAY IN YOUR MIAMI HIGH-RISE DURING A TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE? WHAT TO KNOW

Not every building is the same. | Published May 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

A satellite image of Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3, headed toward Florida in 2023.

NO. 2: DON’T BE STUPID IN A STORM. HERE ARE STEPS TO AVOID DAMAGE AND INJURIES IN A HURRICANE

Avoid these common mistakes. | Published May 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

Key West resident Pedro Lara takes a selfie in front of the Southernmost Point marker as waves from Hurricane Irma crash over the wall, September 9, 2017. By CHARLES TRAINOR JR

NO. 3: DO YOU NEED HELP IN A HURRICANE? WHAT TO DO AND WHO TO CONTACT IN MIAMI, BROWARD, KEYS

Here are resources in a weather emergency. | Published June 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

A satellite image of Hurricane Milton ahead of a Florida landfall in October 2024

NO. 4: WHAT’S A TROPICAL STORM WATCH? A HURRICANE WARNING? THE CONE? SEE FOR YOURSELF

How to make sense of all those weather terms. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

A pile of emergency preparation, natural disaster supplies including: checklist, flashlight, first aid kit, lantern, water bottles, canned goods, can opener, radio, backpack, batteries. When it’s hurricane season it’s best to be prepared. By fstop123

NO. 5: HOW MUCH WILL A HURRICANE KIT COST? SEE PRICES AS YOU GET READY FOR STORM SEASON

Prepare and avoid panic buying. You’ll save money and your sanity. | Published May 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.