Stay Safe: Your 2025 Guide to Hurricane Preparedness
At Universal Restoration, we know firsthand how devastating hurricane damage can be, because we help Florida families clean up and rebuild after the storm. But the best way to stay safe is, preparation!
Each year, hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, bringing the risk of high winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and power outages across Florida. In this article, we’ll share:
- How to avoid last-minute price hikes on supplies
- A checklist of essential hurricane preparedness items
- Links to trusted preparedness resources
Don't wait until a storm is days away
Why Preparing Early Saves You Money
Waiting until a storm is just a few days away? You could end up paying double for the basics. Recent reports show that when a hurricane approaches:
- Bottled water prices jump 25% to 50%
- Generators go up by $200 to $500
- Plywood and tarps increase 30% to 40%
- Flashlights and batteries sell out quickly — with inflated prices on remaining stock
- Pet supplies and canned food see a 10% to 20% spike
Ahead of Hurricane Ian (2022) in the Tampa Bay area. Water cases doubled from $4 to $8 in 72 hours. Basic generators rose 40% in price — from ~$600 to ~$850. Bottom line: Shopping now = lower prices + less stress.
Essential Hurricane Checklist
When a hurricane is approaching, stress levels run high, and it’s easy to forget even the basics. A simple checklist helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute scrambling, and ensure nothing critical is overlooked. Even seasoned Floridians can miss key items when rushing through prep. Writing it down ahead of time gives you peace of mind and keeps your family safer when every minute counts. Here’s a simple checklist you can print and use to help your family stay prepared.
Affordable Hurricane Supplies
Universal Restoration does not endorse any individual stores. Best options will vary based on your location and preferences.
Item Category
Good Options
Water, Food, Paper Goods
Walmart – Publix – Winn-Dixie -BJ’s Wholesale
Flashlights, Batteries
Ace Hardware – Home Depot – Harbor Freight – Walmart
Radios, Power Banks
Target – Walmart – Amazon – Best Buy
First Aid, Hygiene
Walmart – Dollar General – Dollar Tree – Publix
Generator, Gas Cans, Tarps
Home Depot – Lowe’s – Harbor Freight – Northern Tool
Pet Supplies
Tractor Supply – Chewy.com – Pet Supermarket – Walmart
Trusted Hurricane Preparedness Resources
Taking Action Now
Empower Your Family's Safety
Preparing for hurricanes isn’t about panic, it’s about peace of mind. With a simple plan and the right supplies, you’ll be ready to weather the storm, and you’ll save money by prepping ahead of time.
Even with the best preparation, hurricanes can cause flooding, wind damage, roof leaks, mold, and more. If your home or business is affected, call Universal Restoration. Our expert team is on call 24/7 to respond as soon as it’s safe:
- Water removal & drying
- Mold remediation
- Structural drying
- Storm damage cleanup
- Emergency board-up & tarping
Request service here or call us at 888-449-8936