June 1 is the beginning of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and the perfect time to start thinking about hurricane preparedness.
For those living and working in Florida, this is significant information. Hurricanes are unpredictable disasters that can develop quickly. What you decide before the disaster will affect what happens during and after it.
In his latest message to residents, Florida Senator Rick Scott reminded the public of how much hurricane preparedness saves lives by referencing the damage caused by hurricanes Michael, Irma, Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. He emphasized the resilience of Florida communities during the recovery period.
Here is his key piece of advice:
Do not wait for a hurricane to approach. Develop a hurricane plan today.
This applies to both personal and business plans.
According to NOAA, everyone should know their hurricane risk, be prepared before the season begins, and have several ways to receive weather alerts and emergency information.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
Everyone understands the importance of planning, but very few actually implement a plan.
Creating a written plan allows each person to be aware of actions to take in the event of an evacuation order.
According to Florida emergency officials, families should be able to handle at least seven days without basic services like electricity and running water. You should also expect difficulties with purchasing food and accessing other necessities.
Prepare a Hurricane Supply Kit
You need to create a hurricane supply kit that will include:
- One gallon of water per person per day for seven days
- Seven days of non-perishable foods
- Medications
- Medical supplies
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Battery-powered radios
- Cell phone chargers and extra batteries
- Cash
- Important documents stored in waterproof containers
- Personal hygiene products
- Pet supplies
Ready.gov recommends storing your supplies in portable containers so you can transport them in case you are required to evacuate.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
While preparing food and water, many families neglect their pets.
Store your animal’s health certificate, medication, food, water, leash, carrier, collar, and any identification tags. It is also helpful to have a photograph of your pet, which you can use in case of separation to prove the pet’s ownership.
Businesses Need Hurricane Plans Too
While many business owners are concerned with building protection and storage security, relatively few consider payment system security issues. This may lead to serious problems after the hurricane.
Imagine opening your doors and seeing no internet connection, no operational payment terminal, and customers with little to no cash on hand.
All of this results in a complete halt in sales.
Prepare Your Business Continuity Plan
Before hurricane season becomes active, check whether your business is ready for it:
- Backup all customer and sales data
- Store copies of important documents
- Update emergency contacts of your employees
- Check your insurance
- Protect your POS/payment equipment
- Ensure backup communication
- Create a procedure for reopening
The Small Business Administration recommends protecting critical business information and storing documents in another place. Also, create a communication plan for employees, suppliers, and clients.
Protect Your Payment System
Florida storms often result in internet outages. For businesses relying on online payments, it causes huge problems since they are unable to accept card payments.
Therefore, preserving the ability to process transactions is essential to every hurricane readiness plan.
Card Systems helps businesses accept payments after a storm with solutions such as:
- Mobile payment options
- Hybrid POS systems
- Internet backup solutions
One article in the Card Systems blog describes how backup internet helps businesses keep using their payment terminals after storms in Florida by allowing them to continue working while others operate with cash only.
What to Do During a Hurricane
Follow local orders in the event of a mandatory evacuation. Do not stay behind and “tough it out.”
As Senator Rick Scott has mentioned, houses and buildings are easily rebuildable, but the same cannot be done for your life.
Once you find safe shelter, stay inside away from windows and doors. Listen to the weather reports to stay informed about the current situation and possible recommendations.
The National Hurricane Center and NOAA continue to be among the most reliable weather monitoring sites.
What to Do After a Hurricane
Be patient while recovering.
Wait for official instructions to return to the area after a mandatory evacuation.
Watch out for potential risks such as flooded streets, downed power lines, structural damage, debris, and gas leaks.
Businesses should ensure that everything works properly before reopening. Pay attention to:
- Internet connection
- Payment equipment
- Refrigeration systems
- Safety and security equipment
- Electrical connections
If your business has been severely affected by the storm, there may be a chance to receive financial assistance through disaster programs offered by SBA.
Create Your Hurricane Plan Today
Florida residents understand hurricanes very well. Their experience gives an advantage over others.
But preparedness gives the biggest advantage.
Take the time to get prepared now before the next big storm hits.
Key Takeaways
- Create a plan of action for your family in advance
- Stock up on food, water, and medications for seven days
- Prepare necessary supplies for pets and people with special needs
- Know your evacuation routes
- Back up your business data and customer information
- Protect your payment systems
- Establish backup communication methods
- Comply with mandatory evacuation orders
- Only return to the area after receiving official confirmation
The hurricane plan that you will implement tomorrow must be created today.
Ready to Protect Your Business Before the Next Storm?
A good hurricane preparedness plan will not only protect your business, but also your ability to serve your customers and keep payments moving.
Our team at Card Systems can provide you with all the necessary assistance in checking your systems before extreme weather hits.
Contact Card Systems today to make sure your business is ready for hurricane season.
