Dealing with Flash Flooding and Power Outages During Hurricane Milton: My Personal Approach and Tips

Dealing with Flash Flooding and Power Outages During Hurricane Milton: My Personal Approach and Tips

If you’re like me, you’ve probably decided to ride out Hurricane Milton at home. I get it—avoiding clogged roads and the stress of evacuation traffic was reason enough for us to stay put. But while staying home feels safer and more familiar, it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to flash flooding and power outages. Here’s how my family and I are preparing for these possibilities, along with some advice I hope you’ll find helpful too.

Flash Flooding: Preparing for the Unpredictable

We live in an area that’s no stranger to flooding, so I know how quickly things can get out of hand. Here’s what we’re doing to make sure we’re prepared:

• Getting the Upstairs Ready: Since our home has a second floor, we’ve moved valuables and important documents upstairs just in case. If you don’t have an upper level, consider placing things on countertops, tables, or even in watertight storage bins.
• Monitoring Water Levels: We’re using weather apps and keeping an eye on nearby creeks and drainage ditches. Knowing what’s happening outside our immediate area gives us a better idea of when we might need to move quickly.
• Emergency Bag by the Door: We have a couple of go-bags packed and placed near the front door. I’ve included essentials like IDs, a first aid kit, some non-perishable snacks, and bottled water. If you’re in a high-risk flood zone, it’s good to have a bag you can grab in seconds.

Power Outages: Planning for the Dark

We’re expecting the power to go out—it almost always does during hurricanes—so we’ve taken a few steps to make sure we’re not completely in the dark:

• Charging Up: We’ve charged every device and power bank we own. It’s a small thing, but it’ll keep us connected and entertained (hello, downloaded movies) while the power is out.
• Prepping the Fridge: I’ve filled some water bottles and ice trays to keep the fridge cool longer if the power cuts out. I’m also planning a “fridge feast” for when the outage happens—using up perishable items first means less food waste.
• Battery-Powered Lights Over Candles: We’ve stocked up on flashlights and battery-operated lamps. I know candles seem like a cozy option, but the last thing we want to worry about is starting a fire in the middle of a hurricane.

What We’ll Do If the Floodwaters Rise

I’ve always believed in preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. If water starts rising around our property, here’s the plan:

• Move Up, Not Out: Leaving during a flood is super dangerous, so unless it’s an absolute emergency, we’re sticking to higher ground in the house rather than trying to brave the roads.
• Turning Off the Breakers: If the water starts getting close, I’m going to switch off the electrical breakers to prevent any damage or risk of electrocution.
• Keeping Everyone Calm: The kids pick up on our stress, so we’re trying to keep things light and reassuring. I’ve put together a few fun games and distractions to keep them occupied if we have to stay in one place for a while.

Handling Long Power Outages

If Milton knocks out power for a while, we’ve got a few strategies up our sleeves:

• No-Heat Meals: I’ve set aside some ready-to-eat options like canned soup (with a pull-tab!) and shelf-stable snacks. These don’t need heating and are filling enough to keep everyone satisfied.
• Using the Grill Sparingly: We have a propane grill we can use in a pinch, but I’m careful about conserving fuel and only using it for quick meals if absolutely necessary.
• Keeping Cool: With no AC, things can get uncomfortable fast. I’m planning to use battery-powered fans and keep the windows cracked if it’s safe to do so.

After the Storm: Picking Up the Pieces

Once Milton moves on, there’s a whole new set of tasks to handle. Here’s what I’m expecting:

• Documenting Everything: As soon as it’s safe to go outside, I’ll be taking photos and videos of any damage for insurance purposes. Even small things count.
• Avoiding Standing Water: Floodwater is nasty and full of bacteria, so I’m keeping the family away from it. Rubber boots and gloves are a must if we have to go through it for any reason.
• Checking In With Neighbors: We’ve got a tight-knit community, and I know we’ll all be looking out for each other. A quick check-in with neighbors can make a big difference.

What We’re Learning From This Experience

Hurricanes are nerve-wracking, but every storm teaches us something new. As we go through Hurricane Milton together, I’m reminded that preparation is as much about protecting our mental state as it is about securing our home. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, turn off the constant news updates, and focus on what you can control.

If you have any tips or want to share your experience, I’d love to hear them. We’re all in this together, and the more we help each other, the stronger we come out on the other side.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and take it one step at a time!

Statewide Shelter Information

The Florida Disaster website provides a centralized index of shelters across all counties in Florida. You can search for open shelters in your area and find specific information about each one. This site also has details on shelters for special needs individuals, which may be particularly helpful if you or a family member requires additional assistance during the hurricane.

Important Contacts and Resources

1. Florida State Emergency Operations Center: 850-815-4000
2. Local 211 Assistance: Dial 211 or visit 211.org to find nearby shelters and resources based on your location.
3. Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY) for accessibility support.

If you have any special needs or require non-congregate sheltering (e.g., you need a place that’s not a typical group shelter), email info-SAFER-FL@em.myflorida.com to learn about options near you.

For up-to-date information on all available shelters and local resources, make sure to check your county’s emergency management page or the statewide Florida Disaster site. Stay safe!