By Lori Leath Smith
With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season commencing on June 1, Okaloosa County has intensifyed its preparedness efforts and wants to ensure locals are well-prepared for potential storms in response to forecasts predicting above-average storm activity. Colorado State University anticipates 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes, exceeding the 30-year average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
At May’s “Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party” in Shalimar, residents received valuable insights from two top experts: Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety, and Jason Beaman, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in Mobile.
During the event, they unveiled the comprehensive 2025 Hurricane Guide, packed with essential information on evacuation zones, emergency contacts, shelter locations and post-storm recovery resources. Download the guide at myokaloosa.com/emergency-management.
To stay informed during severe weather, sign up for emergency alerts at AlertOkaloosa.com or text “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777.
For additional resources, updates, and safety tips, visit MyOkaloosa.com or follow Okaloosa Emergency Management on social media.
Overall Quick Hurricane Safety Tips:
- Stay in your safe place – Get to high ground if flooding is a risk and shelter during high winds.
- Check weather updates – Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts and monitor changing conditions.
- Watch for flooding – Never drive through floodwaters. Just 1 foot can sweep a car away!
- Listen to local officials – Follow evacuation orders and stick to recommended routes.
Key Hurricane Preparedness Steps:
- Know Your Evacuation Zone: Determine your evacuation zone and route. Okaloosa County provides detailed maps and information at https://myokaloosa.com/gm/evacuation-zones.
- Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit: Include essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers and important documents. Crank your generator monthly to keep it in good shape. A comprehensive checklist is available at https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/.
- Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Stay informed by registering for local emergency notifications through AlertOkaloosa or by texting “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777.
- Prepare Your Home: Secure loose outdoor items, install hurricane shutters, trim trees, clear debris, make sure gutters drain properly and ensure your home is in good repair to withstand high winds.
- Plan for Pets: Make arrangements for your pets in case of evacuation, including food, water and shelter.
- Review Insurance Policies: Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane-related damages and understand the claims process. Review your policy for gaps, document your belongings, and save important files on a thumb drive or in waterproof/fireproof containers.
For more information and resources, visit:
Okaloosa County Emergency Management at https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management
- Evacuation Zones Information & Routes:
https://myokaloosa.com/gm/evacuation-zones;
- Road Closures and Delays:
https://fl511.com (Statewide real-time traffic info)
- Pet Shelter Information During an Emergency:
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/pets;
- Shelter in Place Guidelines:
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/shelter-place
- Shelter Locations and Updates (Okaloosa County):
https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management/shelters
- Special Needs Registration:
