The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is just weeks away. That leaves a narrow but important window for Pensacola residents to review plans and start hurricane preparations before the Gulf’s busiest weather period gets underway.
Early forecasts have shown high chances of an El Niño transition later in the season, which could tame tropical cyclone conditions in the Atlantic. Despite the good news, forecasters continue to urge caution and encourage everyone not to skip out on their hurricane preparations this year.
Putting together a plan for hurricane season isn’t exactly a fun task, but we’ve put together an exhaustive guide to help Pensacola and Escambia County residents get started.
How to use this guide
The checklist just below this section will serve as a series of links to the rest of the guide. Each link will take you directly to that section of the guide. The end of each section will contain links back to the top for easier navigation.
Whether this is your first time creating a hurricane preparedness guide or you’re just reviewing yours, you’ll find everything you need to get started right here.
Additional considerations:
Evacuating for a hurricane is never anyone’s first plan of action, but it’s a situation you don’t want to be forced to plan when you’re off guard.
Knowing your evacuation zone, route and having a plan in place can ensure that you can leave at a moment’s notice. Evacuating quickly, or even early, can help you avoid longer traffic times and allow you to have a little more flexibility if you need to book accommodations.
A hurricane evacuation plan should include things like:
- Evacuation zone
- Evacuation routes and backup routes
- Destination/shelter: This could consist of a family member you can stay with, a hotel or a shelter
- Communication information: Contact info for everyone evacuating, emergency contacts and contact info for local resources
- Method of transportation: Check with local officials for available transportation options if you don’t have a vehicle
- Don’t forget extra accommodations: If you have pets or someone with special medical or mobility needs, be sure to include those in your plan, too.
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Escambia County residents can use Florida Disaster’s interactive “Know Your Zone” map to find out which evacuation zone your home may be in. You can enter your address into the search bar at the top of the page to find out which evacuation zone your home is in and read about important information for that zone.
Evacuation zones are labeled A, B, C, D, E and none. Here is what each evacuation zone means:
- Zone A: Surge up to 7 feet above ground level
- Zone B: Surge up to 10 feet above ground level
- Zone C: Surge up to 15 feet above ground level
- Zone D: Surge up to 20 feet above ground level
- Zone E: Surge up to 20+ feet above ground level
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Here is an exhaustive list of items everyone’s hurricane kit should include:
Tools, food and other supplies
- Paper plates
- Plastic utensils
- Flashlights
- Battery-operated radio
- Spare batteries
- Non-electric can opener
- Fire extinguisher
- Tent
- Signal Whistle
- Matches
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic storage containers
- Garbage bags
- Small shovel
- Sleeping bags
- Hygiene items
- 7-day supply of nonperishable food
First aid kit
- Latex or other sterile gloves
- Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
- Soap and antibiotic towelettes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn ointment
- Adhesive bandages
- Eye wash solution
- Thermometer
- Scissors and tweezers
- Petroleum jelly/lubricant
- Daily prescription medications such as insulin, heart medicine and inhalers
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure equipment
- Aspirin/pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid and laxative
Water
- Store in plastic containers.
- Plan for at least seven days: One gallon of water per person, per day.
- Save empty two-liter bottles during hurricane season to fill with water before a storm arrives.
- Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for sanitation use. To purify, boil water for one full minute at a rolling boil then let it cool.
Here are the evacuation routes and zones for Pensacola and Escambia County.
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This is an interactive map of hurricane evacuation shelters in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Residents should always check that a shleter is open before driving to it.
If you go to a public evacuation shelter, you will need to take the following items:
- A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
- Toiletries and personal items
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Identification and any important papers
- Games or toys for children; books for adults
- Special items for infants or elderly family members
- Any special dietary needs and nonperishable foods for snacks
- Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries
- Prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take
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If you’re a new Florida resident who just purchased a home, you’re likely okay here, but it’s still worth peering over your policy’s declarations page so that you know what is and isn’t covered. Many people who suffer losses during hurricane season are surprised to learn how convoluted a water damage claim can be and end up regretting not purchasing flood insurance.
When reviewing your home insurance policy, think about any additions, renovations or expensive items you have purchased since you last looked at your policy. Putting up a new shed could warrant upping your “other structures” coverage. It’s not a bad idea to add “scheduled” property to your insurance plans for things like expensive jewelry, collector’s items and the like.
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A pine cone seems innocent enough until it’s launched at a window at hurricane-force speeds. If you haven’t already taken advantage of springtime weather to get out into the yard and start whipping it into shape, now is a good chance to do so.
Clear up any debris you see lying in the yard, clean out your gutters, give your roof a good sweep and trim any tree branches that have grown too long.
It’s also a good opportunity to protect some of the structural parts of your home. Installing hurricane shutters can protect your windows and give you a discount on your home insurance. Check any seals around your home to ensure water can’t get inside. Ensure that your garage door is able to withstand hurricane-force winds and that it is in good condition.
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The interactive shelter map above shows the locations of special needs shelters in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, but residents will need to pre-register. Escambia County residents can pre-register for special needs shelters on its website and call 850-471-6400 for assistance.
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Pet shelters in Pensacola can also be found on the interactive shelter map above.
Pensacola residents don’t need to pre-register for its pet shelter, but pet owners will need to bring proof of current vaccinations. Any pets without proof will be vaccinated on site, according to the county’s website.
Here’s a list of what to bring for your pet:
- Any necessary medication(s)
- Any special dietary requirements
- Bowls for food and water
- Carrier or cage of sufficient size for the pet to stand, stretch, and turn around, and room for food and water
- Cat litter pan, litter and litter scooper
- Collar and leash
- A five day supply of food and water
- Plastic bags
- Proof of vaccinations
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Pensacola residents can sign up for local emergency alerts by clicking on this link and creating an Alert Escambia account. It’s a free service that is distributed by the Escambia County Division of Emergency Management. Residents can get alerts via text message, email or phone call.
The Escambia County website is also regularly updated with information about local emergencies, including event status, what residents can do to stay and any disaster services available.
Lastly, wireless carriers automatically send Wireless Emergency Alerts directly to cell phones during emergencies. These alerts are offered for free by service providers and do not count toward wireless plans.
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Escambia County residents can find road closures at this link. During emergencies, finding real-time road closures can be difficult, so it’s usually a good idea to turn to news sources for updates.
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Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.