Hurricane season in Florida can feel overwhelming, but here at Garden Communities, your safety is our top priority. Whether you’re at The Landings at Cypress Meadows, Compton Place, or Harvard Apartments, this guide will help you prepare before, during, and after a storm—so you can focus on staying safe and secure in your home.
Before the Storm: Be Prepared, Not Scared
Hurricanes may be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Taking the time now to gather supplies and make a plan can make all the difference when severe weather strikes. Let’s walk through the essentials needed to ensure you and your family stay safe throughout a hurricane.
1. Build Your Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit ensures you’re ready for anything. Here’s what to include when packing an emergency kit for a hurricane:
- Water – At least one gallon per person per day (3-day supply minimum)
- Non-perishable food – Canned goods, protein bars, and pet food (don’t forget a can opener)
- Flashlights & batteries – Skip candles to avoid fire hazards
- First aid supplies – Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications
- Important documents – Lease agreements, insurance info, and IDs in a waterproof bag
- Cash & portable charger – ATMs and credit card machines may be down
- Full gas tank – Avoid last-minute rushes if evacuation is needed
2. Know Your Evacuation Plan
Each of our communities is built to withstand hurricanes, but it’s still important to know your evacuation route.
- Check with our property management team for community-specific guidance
- Sign up for local alerts (Hillsborough & Brevard County Emergency Management)
- Have a “go bag” ready with essentials if you need to leave quickly
- Let a friend or family member outside the storm’s path know your plans.
During the Storm: Staying Safe Without Power
Losing electricity during a hurricane is common, but with the right preparation, you can stay safe and comfortable. Keep essentials like flashlights, batteries, and a portable charger ready to navigate the outage. Here’s how to manage when the lights go out:
1. Keeping the Lights On (When a Power Outage Occurs)
- Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights (never candles indoors)
- Keep phones charged with a portable power bank
- Turn off major appliances to prevent damage from power surges
2. Food & Water Tips
- Keep fridge/freezer closed – Food stays safe for about 4 hours (for a fridge) and 48 hours (for a freezer)
- Eat perishables first, then switch to canned goods
- Boil tap water for 1 minute if you suspect contamination
3. Staying Comfortable
- If possible, stay on lower floors where it’s cooler if AC is out
- Wear lightweight clothing and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
4. Hurricane-Friendly Meals: What to Stock Up On
- Snacks: Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit
- Canned goods: Tuna, beans, soups, veggies
- Minimal-prep meals: Peanut butter sandwiches, instant oatmeal
Don’t forget these items!
- Disposable plates & utensils
- A manual can opener
- A cooler with ice for any perishables or medications
After the Storm: Returning Safely
The calm after a hurricane still requires caution as hidden dangers may remain. Before heading home, verify local authorities have declared your area safe for return. Avoid any roads that have flooding and/or downed power lines. Once back, carefully inspect your apartment and report any concerns to your property management team immediately. Our on-site teams will be assessing damage and assisting residents—don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
Additionally, don’t forget to throw out any spoiled food from the fridge. If a refrigerator has lost power for 4+ hours, the food is no longer safe for consumption.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
At Garden Communities, we design our properties—like The Landings at Cypress Meadows, Compton Place, and Harvard Apartments—to meet strict hurricane safety standards. But your preparedness makes all the difference.