Apollo Beach Hurricane Prep Kit

Living on the water in Apollo Beach is the reason most of us moved here, and getting ready for storm season is simply part of the deal. I put together a free Hurricane Prep Kit for South Shore homeowners that you can print or fill in right on your phone or computer that walks you through what to do before, during and after a storm, with a storm card you can fill in for your own family. Below is the short version of what is inside, so you can start today even before you print it.

Download the Hurricane Prep Kit (PDF)

What should be included in a Florida hurricane kit?

Plan for at least a week on your own. That means one gallon of water per person per day, food that needs no cooking, prescriptions and a written list of them, a first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery or hand crank radio, phone chargers and power banks, cash in small bills, and copies of your insurance policies and IDs in a waterproof bag. Pets need their own food, water, records and a carrier. The kit has a printable checklist for all of it so nothing gets forgotten when everyone is rushing.

What are 10 things you need to prepare for a hurricane?

If you only get to ten, I would start here. Know your evacuation zone. Decide where you will go and have a backup. Fill out a storm card with every policy number and phone number in one place. Photograph or video every room for insurance. Stock water, food and medicine. Protect your openings with shutters or impact glass. Bring in or tie down anything that can fly. Make a plan for your boat. Charge every device and fill your gas tank. Pick an out of town contact the whole family can check in with.

What should you stock up on before a hurricane?

Buy the things that disappear first well before a storm is named: water, batteries, propane, gas cans, tarps, plywood and generator supplies. A hurricane watch usually comes about 48 hours before tropical storm force winds are expected, and a warning about 36 hours before, according to the National Weather Service. By the time a warning is posted, store shelves and gas stations are usually picked over, so I suggest stocking up at the start of the season in June.

Will Florida tax-free hurricane supplies be available in 2026 and beyond?

Yes. Florida made its sales tax exemption on many hurricane supplies permanent on August 1, 2025, so there is no longer a short holiday window to wait for. Portable generators with 10,000 running watts or less qualify, along with common items like batteries, flashlights, tarps and coolers. Check the current list from the Florida Department of Revenue before you shop.

How can I check my Hillsborough County hurricane evacuation zone?

Type your address into HCFL.gov/HEAT, the county’s Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool. Please look it up again even if you checked last year. In May 2026 Hillsborough County updated its zones using new storm surge data from NOAA, and parts of Apollo Beach changed, including inland Apollo Beach south of Big Bend Road, which was added to Zone E. I wrote more about what changed in my post on Hillsborough evacuation zone changes for Apollo Beach.

What is the difference between an evacuation zone and a flood zone?

Your evacuation zone is about storm surge and when the county may ask you to leave. Your FEMA flood zone is about flood risk for insurance and building rules. They are separate maps, and a home can be in one and not the other. If you are not sure where your home stands, my Is Apollo Beach in a Flood Zone? page and free flood zone and elevation check are good places to start.

How do you prepare your boat and dock for a hurricane?

Decide early, because haul out slots and marina spots fill fast once a storm is in the cone. If your boat can be hauled out and stored on land, that is usually the safest choice. If it stays in the water, double up lines, add chafe protection, remove canvas, bimini tops and electronics, and make sure your bilge pumps and batteries are working. Boats left on lifts are at risk when surge lifts the hull off the cradle, so talk with your marina and your boat insurer about their hurricane plan now, and ask whether your policy helps with a named storm haul out. My boat, lift and dock hurricane prep guide goes step by step.

How long does it take to get flood insurance in Florida?

A new National Flood Insurance Program policy usually has a 30 day waiting period before coverage starts, so you cannot wait until a storm is on the way. There are a few exceptions, such as a policy bought with a mortgage loan transaction, after a flood map change, and some renewals. Private flood policies have their own rules. I explain the details in the flood insurance 30 day waiting period and on my Flood Insurance page.

Do impact windows reduce insurance in Florida?

They can. Florida insurers must offer credits for features that reduce wind damage, and protected openings are one of them. The way to get credit is a wind mitigation inspection that documents your shutters or impact glass, roof shape and roof attachment. Discounts vary by insurer, so ask your agent to run the numbers with your report. If you are comparing options, my guide to impact windows, shutters and the 2002 code walks through all six choices.

What local numbers should Apollo Beach residents keep handy?

For emergencies call 911. During storm events Hillsborough County opens a storm line at 833-HC-STORM (833-427-8676), and you can sign up for county alerts at HCFL.gov/Alert. Report a TECO power outage at 877-588-1010 or text OUT to 27079, and call 911 first for any downed line. If you smell gas, leave the house, call 911, then Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747. For roads, dial 511 or visit FL511.com. Shelters open only when the county announces them, so watch county alerts for which ones are open and which accept pets.

What should you do after a hurricane passes?

Wait for the all clear before you go back. Stay away from downed lines and standing water, which can hide debris or be electrified. Photograph all damage before you clean up, make temporary repairs to prevent more damage and keep every receipt, then call your insurer. Never run a generator inside a home or garage. And check on your neighbors, especially anyone who lives alone.

Who should you call with questions about your home?

I am Shawna Calvert with 27North Realty, and I help Apollo Beach and South Shore families buy and sell waterfront homes. I was the #1 agent in Apollo Beach by total sales volume in Stellar MLS from January 2025 through August 2026. If you have questions about your home, your dock or your flood picture, call or text me at 509-294-6818 or email shawna@27northrealty.com. And tell me about your life here. Does your boat live in the backyard or at a local marina?