Pensacola hurricane preparedness starts with a plan, a stocked emergency kit and reliable local information. Cat Country 98.7 has gathered practical ideas from our listeners and official safety resources to help families in Pensacola, Escambia County and Santa Rosa County prepare for the 2026 hurricane season.
 

Download the Printable Hurricane Checklist here: Pensacola-Hurricane-Checklist-2026

Start with three essentials: prepare at least seven days of supplies, know your evacuation zone and sign up for county emergency alerts.

Use this checklist to prepare before a storm threatens, and check the official resources below for current forecasts, evacuation orders and shelter openings.

Pensacola Hurricane Information and Local Alerts

Bookmark these official resources before you need them:

• Escambia County Emergency Management: Local hurricane preparation information, evacuation resources and storm updates.

• Alert Escambia: Sign up for county emergency notifications.

• Santa Rosa County Emergency Management: County emergency information and the AlertSantaRosa signup link.

• Santa Rosa County Evacuation Zone Lookup: Search your address to find your evacuation zone.

• Florida’s Know Your Zone Resources: Statewide evacuation planning information and zone map.

• National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola: Local forecasts, weather warnings and hurricane preparation resources.

      Shelter openings, available services and evacuation instructions depend on the emergency. Confirm details with your county before          traveling.
 

Pensacola Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: Build Your Kit

Florida’s disaster supply checklist recommends food for at least seven days and one gallon of water per person per day. For a seven-day kit, store seven gallons of water per person, plus additional water for pets and extra household needs.

Your hurricane supply kit should include:

• Shelf-stable food and a manual can opener.

• Drinking water, pet food and pet supplies.

• Prescription medications and necessary medical supplies.

• A first-aid kit.

• Flashlights and spare batteries.

• A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio.

• Phone chargers and charged portable battery packs.

• Cash, identification and insurance information.

• Important documents protected from water.

• Hygiene supplies and trash bags.

• Infant supplies and accessibility items your household needs.

Review the Florida Disaster Supply Kit Checklist to help build a kit that fits your family.

Listener tip: Buy supplies gradually before a storm approaches. And try to leave those hurricane snacks alone until you need them!
 

Know Your Evacuation Plan Before a Storm

Find your evacuation zone by address and choose a safe destination ahead of time. Plan for transportation, pets and family members who need extra assistance.
 

Your home’s construction and location matter. People in mobile homes, unsafe structures or flood-prone areas may need to leave even when others can shelter in place. Follow county guidance for your situation.

Keep a go-bag ready with medications, identification, essential documents, chargers and clothing. Share your plan with an out-of-town contact.
 

If officials order your area to evacuate, leave as directed. Avoid waiting until hazardous weather makes travel unsafe.

Never drive through flooded roads or around barricades. Water can conceal washed-out pavement and other hazards.
 

Prepare Your Home, Vehicle and Electronics

Take care of these tasks while conditions are safe:

• Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, decorations and trash cans.

• Clear gutters and drains.

• Address dangerous tree limbs before a storm approaches.

• Charge phones, rechargeable lights and portable battery packs.

• Keep your vehicle fueled and evacuation essentials together.

• Finish laundry and dishes before a possible outage.

• Save important phone numbers and emergency information for offline use.

      Cat Country listeners know the Gulf Coast routine: clean clothes, charged batteries and a tidy house can make a difficult week a       

      little easier.
 

Generator Safety During a Power Outage

Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas you cannot see or smell.

Follow these generator safety rules:

• Operate a portable generator outside, more than 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.

• Point the exhaust away from your home and nearby buildings.

• Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, shed or other enclosed space, even with doors open.

• Use battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms.

• Turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling.

• Never plug a generator into a household wall outlet.

• Follow the manufacturer’s operating and electrical connection instructions.

Read the CDC’s Carbon Monoxide Safety Guidance and CPSC Generator Safety Information before using backup power.
 

Keep Food Safe When the Power Goes Out

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

• An unopened refrigerator generally keeps food safe for up to four hours.

• A full freezer can maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours.

• A half-full freezer can maintain a safe temperature for approximately 24 hours, with the door closed.

• Discard refrigerated perishables after four hours without power.

• Never taste food to decide whether it is safe.

Check individual items against the FoodSafety.gov Power Outage Food Safety Chart.
 

Include Pets in Your Hurricane Plan

Prepare pet food, water, medications, carriers, leashes and veterinary records before a storm threatens.

Choose an evacuation destination that accepts your animals. Confirm county shelter requirements before you leave.

Listener tip: Refresh the litter box before a possible power outage. Your future self will appreciate it!
 

After the Storm: Take Recovery Slowly

Follow official instructions about returning home. Continue monitoring local alerts, stay out of floodwater and respect road closures.
 

Before cleanup, check county guidance and assess whether the work is safe for you to do. Document damage when it is safe and contact your insurance provider for claim instructions.
 

Check on neighbors when conditions allow. Gulf Coast recovery takes a community, and preparation can help you look after your family and the people around you.
 

Pensacola Hurricane Preparedness FAQs

When Is Hurricane Season in Pensacola?

Pensacola follows the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. Prepare before a storm approaches and continue checking official forecasts throughout the season.

How Much Water Should I Keep in My Hurricane Kit?

Plan for one gallon per person per day. A seven-day kit needs seven gallons per person, with additional water for pets and extra household needs.

How Do I Find My Evacuation Zone?

Search your address using Florida’s Know Your Zone Resources or your county’s evacuation information. Santa Rosa County also provides an Evacuation Zone Lookup. Follow your county’s instructions for each storm.
 

Where Can I Find Current Pensacola Hurricane Updates?

Use National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola forecasts and your county’s emergency management information. Register for Alert Escambia or AlertSantaRosa to receive local notifications.
 

Can I Run a Generator in My Garage With the Door Open?

No. Operate a portable generator outdoors, more than 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. An open garage door does not make indoor operation safe.
 

Keep Cat Country 98.7 Close

Keep a battery-powered radio in your hurricane kit and tune to Cat Country 98.7 FM. When internet service is available, you can also listen to Cat Country 98.7 online and on the free Cat Country 98.7 app.
 

Bookmark this Pensacola hurricane preparedness guide and share it with someone who is new to the Gulf Coast.

For current weather warnings, evacuation orders and shelter information, follow the official resources linked above.