Hurricane Safety Tips: Protecting Your Family and Home from Category 5 Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton has intensified into a dangerous Category 5 storm, and Floridians must act fast to safeguard their families and homes.

Read: Evacuation Zones and Shelters for Hurricane Milton: Where Floridians Can Stay Safe

Preparation is critical to weathering the storm’s impact and handling post-hurricane emergencies.
 

1. Create an Emergency Plan

Ensure everyone knows evacuation routes and shelters. Have a family communication plan.

Be prepared NOW: A State-by-State Guide on Essential Government Aid and Support Programs for Disaster Recovery
 

2. Secure Your Home

Install storm shutters, secure outdoor items, and reinforce doors. Use sandbags in flood-prone areas.
 

3. Stock Emergency Supplies

Gather non-perishable food, water, and essentials for 72 hours. Don’t forget medication, pet supplies, and chargers.
 

4. Prepare for Power Outages

Fully charge all devices and secure backup power sources like generators.
 

5. Readiness Checklist

To help you prepare for Hurricane Milton, use this checklist:

• Know your evacuation route
• Store at least 3 days’ worth of food and water
• Secure your doors, windows, and outdoor furniture
• Pack important documents in a waterproof bag
• Ensure you have cash on hand in case of outages

Related: Government Assistance During Hurricane Milton: How to Access Relief Benefits
 

6. After the Storm

Stay informed and avoid going outside until authorities declare it safe. Avoid hazards like fallen power lines or floodwaters, and document any damage for insurance claims.

To help you more during this close hurricane, below is a comprehensive list of gas stations in the Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Sarasota areas, along with their contact details. Make sure to call ahead for availability, as stations may sell out of fuel quickly.

Tampa

1. Circle K

   • Address: 1919 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
   • Phone: (813) 254-2178

2. Shell

   • Address: 4401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
   • Phone: (813) 874-3353

3. Chevron

   • Address: 10225 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Phone: (813) 933-8131

4. Texaco

   • Address: 2316 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610
   • Phone: (813) 231-9226

Orlando

5. 7-Eleven

   • Address: 10610 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817
   • Phone: (407) 275-3332

6. BP

   • Address: 1730 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
   • Phone: (407) 481-0001

7. Chevron

   • Address: 1889 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
   • Phone: (407) 422-1400

8. Shell

   • Address: 5614 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809
   • Phone: (407) 856-1584

Fort Myers

9. RaceTrac

   • Address: 5591 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905
   • Phone: (239) 332-9111

10. Exxon

    • Address: 1531 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
    • Phone: (239) 368-2760

11. Shell

    • Address: 5550 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
    • Phone: (239) 368-1575

12. Sunoco

    • Address: 3421 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916
    • Phone: (239) 332-0061

Sarasota

13. Mobil

    • Address: 6500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
    • Phone: (941) 924-9494

14. Wawa

    • Address: 7201 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
    • Phone: (941) 922-6300

15. Sunoco

    • Address: 3735 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
    • Phone: (941) 923-1305

16. Citgo

    • Address: 6510 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
    • Phone: (941) 349-3870

Make sure to check availability and refuel as soon as possible.

With Hurricane Milton bringing life-threatening winds and storm surges, this checklist can help you stay safe and minimize damage.

Stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and be prepared to take action.

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