By Lori Leath Miller
Living along the Emerald Coast comes with plenty of perks—beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets and a lifestyle many people dream about. But, those of us who call Fort Walton Beach home also know that hurricane season is simply part of life here.
That’s why a recent stop in Destin by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott as part of his annual Hurricane Preparedness Tour caught my attention. Joined by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, local emergency officials and representatives from the American Red Cross, Scott’s message was straightforward: Don’t wait until a storm is in the Gulf to get prepared.
As someone who lives here, too, I know how easy it is to put hurricane preparations on tomorrow’s to-do list. Life gets busy. But every year, we are reminded that it only takes one storm to change everything.
And while no one knows exactly what this season will bring, forecasters are once again predicting an active Atlantic hurricane season. An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes, according to long-term climate averages from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The 2025 season was another active year across the Atlantic Basin and Gulf Coast, continuing a trend of above-average tropical activity and serving as a reminder that coastal communities like ours cannot afford to be complacent.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Early forecasts from NOAA and the National Hurricane Center project between 13 and 19 named storms this year, with six to 10 expected to become hurricanes and three to five potentially reaching major hurricane status at Category 3 strength or higher.
The good news is that preparedness works. The more time we spend getting ready before a storm forms, the more time we can spend focusing on what matters most when one approaches. “Hurricane Season is almost here, and the time to prepare is today—not tomorrow, not next week,” Scott said during the event at Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant. “It only takes one storm, and having your disaster plans set and preparedness kits stocked will save lives.”
While we all hope for a quiet season, preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about peace of mind. And I want that for my family, friends and neighbors. Now is the perfect time to take care of the things you’ll be grateful you handled early if a storm threatens our area.
Start with the basics. Do you have enough water, nonperishable food, medications and pet supplies to last at least a week? Are your flashlights working? Do you know where important documents are stored? Have you checked your batteries, portable chargers and first-aid supplies?
Next, talk with your family. Discuss what evacuation zone you’re in, where you would go if an evacuation became necessary, how you would stay in touch and what your plan would be if cell service or power were interrupted. If you have elderly family members, neighbors who may need assistance or loved ones with medical needs, now is the time to make those plans—not when tropical storm watches begin appearing on television.
For those of us living near the water, it’s also important to remember that flooding and storm surge often create some of the greatest dangers during hurricanes. Understanding your flood risk and knowing evacuation routes ahead of time can make all the difference.
Another task many people overlook is reviewing insurance coverage. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. A quick conversation with your insurance agent today could save significant headaches later.
Preparation also means looking outside your home. Trim overhanging tree limbs, secure outdoor furniture, inspect generators and check on neighbors who may need a helping hand. One of the things I love most about our community is how people come together before, during and after storms. Taking care of one another is part of what makes Fort Walton Beach special.
Another important step is staying informed. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Alert Okaloosa and follow trusted sources such as Okaloosa County Emergency Management, the National Hurricane Center and local governments for timely updates, evacuation information and emergency announcements throughout the season.
Scott also shared an important reminder that emergency responders cannot always reach residents once conditions become dangerous. “If you’re not prepared, there’s nothing law enforcement or the fire department can do for you in the middle of the storm,” he said. “Everyone needs to take this seriously and prepare now.”
The good news is that preparedness works. A few hours spent planning today can help protect your family, reduce stress and make recovery easier if a storm comes our way.
Let’s all hope for a quiet hurricane season. But, let’s also be ready if it’s not.
Helpful Resources
2026 Okaloosa County Hurricane Guide
https://myokaloosa.com/sites/default/files/Users/piouser/HurricanGuide2026-smaller.pdf
Alert Okaloosa Emergency Notifications
AlertOkaloosa.com
Okaloosa County Updates
https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCounty
Sen. Rick Scott Hurricane Preparedness Resources
www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness
