Everyone knows hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but even though it’s only February, now’s the perfect time to think about your emergency plan.
Charlotte County isn’t waiting around. The Charlotte County Disaster Planning Guide for 2026 is already out, and it’s your go-to resource for everything from hurricane prep to flooding and recovery. The county’s Emergency Management Department keeps everything organized, so you’re not left guessing when a storm heads our way.
Here’s what you need to know:
Know Your Zone. Don’t just wait for the wind to pick up—evacuation orders depend on storm surge risk, not wind speed. Use the Know Your Zone tool to find out exactly where you stand.
Alert Charlotte. If you want real-time updates when things get serious, sign up for Alert Charlotte. You’ll get emergency notifications straight to your phone, text, or email.
Special Needs Registry. If you need help evacuating, perhaps because of a medical condition or mobility issues, register with the Florida Special Needs Registry ahead of time.
Build Your Disaster Kit. At the very least, you want:
– Water: One gallon per person per day for three days.
– Food: Stock up on non-perishables like canned meats, peanut butter, and granola bars, enough for several days.
– Safety Gear: flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit.
– Communication: Grab a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio.
After the Storm
Once the skies clear, you’ll want to check the Disaster Recovery Dashboard to track repair progress all over the county.
For quick fixes, you might not need a permit, but bigger jobs mean you’ll need to follow the Community Development Department’s Storm Damage Guidelines.
Don’t forget the FEMA 50% Rule: If repairs cost more than half your home’s value, you’ll have to bring the entire building up to current Florida Building Code standards.
You can find interactive maps and the full guide PDF on the Charlotte County Disaster Planning Guide page.
Need the latest evacuation zone map for a specific address in Charlotte County? Go to charlottecountyfl.gov.
