1. Set up your official information sources
Register for AlertLake and bookmark Lake County’s emergency updates. Check NWS Melbourne for local forecasts and the National Hurricane Center for tropical updates. Read the affected area and instructions in each alert; the forecast cone is not a boundary around all possible impacts.
2. Plan supplies for your household
Florida emergency management recommends at least seven days of supplies. Plan drinking water and nonperishable food, medications, hygiene items, flashlights, batteries and charging options. Add supplies for infants, pets and other household needs, plus copies of important documents. Use the state checklist to work through quantities and details.
3. Make a destination and assistance plan
Decide where you would go if officials direct you to leave. Plan transportation, pets and any medical or accessibility needs in advance. Consult Lake County about its Special Needs Program and current shelter arrangements. A school, library or public building is not an open shelter unless officials announce it as one.
4. Prepare for an interruption at home
Charge devices, gather essential contacts and make a household communication plan. Bring in or secure loose patio items before conditions deteriorate. If you rely on powered medical equipment, arrange an outage plan with your provider in advance. Use official generator-safety instructions; never run a generator inside a home or garage.
5. Recheck instructions as the storm approaches
Monitor official updates for shelter openings, road conditions and local protective actions. Do not drive through floodwater. After the storm, wait for official guidance before travelling, and treat damaged electrical equipment and downed lines as dangerous. For an immediate emergency, call 911.