Halfway through hurricane season, but busiest part still ahead

Floridians know that the second half of hurricane season is the busiest, so now is not the time to let your guard down. As we pass the halfway mark of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) encourages everyone to take a minute and review hurricane plans and make sure households are ready.

In recent years, some of the most devastating storms have hit later in the season. In 2024, Florida was devastated by hurricanes Helene and Milton on Sept. 26 and Oct. 9, respectively. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 22, 2022.

Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about having enough food and water. Storms can affect our homes, roads, power, communications, water and wastewater systems. A little preparation now can make a big difference if a storm threatens.

Here are a few things to do while there’s still time:

• Check your emergency water supply. The Florida Department of Health recommends having at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Don’t forget water for pets.

• Know where your water comes from. If you receive water from a utility, know how to get updates about your water service and any boil water notices following a storm.

• Protect your wastewater system. Never flush wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, grease or other items that don’t belong in the toilet. Storm-related power outages and heavy rainfall can already put additional stress on wastewater systems.

• Keep drains and stormwater areas clear. Before a storm, remove leaves, debris and other materials that could block drainage around your home.

• Build or refresh your emergency kit. Include medications, flashlights, batteries, important documents, first-aid supplies, nonperishable food and other essentials.

• Make a family communication plan. Know where you will go if evacuation is necessary and how family members will stay in touch if cell service is disrupted.

• Don't wait for the forecast to change. Bottled water, batteries and other emergency supplies can become difficult to find when a storm is approaching. Preparing during calm weather gives you more choices and less stress.

And remember that hurricane preparedness doesn't end when the storm passes.

After a hurricane, stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas, use caution around standing water and follow instructions from local officials and your water and wastewater utility. If your area is under a boil water notice, use bottled water or follow the utility's instructions for making water safe until the notice is lifted.

Most importantly, don't let a quiet first half of hurricane season create a false sense of security. Hurricane season doesn’t follow our schedules, and it only takes one storm to ravage a community.

We still have months of hurricane season ahead. Use this time to check your supplies, review your family’s plan and make sure you know where to turn for reliable information.

FGUA has created a hurricane preparedness website with information to help you prepare your home and family, with a special focus on protecting your water and wastewater service before, during and after a storm. Go to FGUA’s Hurricane Preparedness webpage at fgua.com/community/hurricane-preparedness/?utm_source=chatgpt.com to learn more. 

FGUA owns and operates almost 100 water and wastewater utility systems in 15 Florida counties, providing service to more than 120,000 connections (water and/or sewer.) Counties served by FGUA include Alachua, Citrus, Flagler, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia.