BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Hurricane season kicks off this week, and emergency officials say now’s the time to get ready — not when there’s a storm in the forecast.
Most people here know the basics: stock up on water, fill up the gas tank, grab some canned goods. But when the lights go out for days — sometimes longer — it's usually the small stuff you didn’t think about that becomes a problem.
Power banks. Flashlights. Radios. Even clean drinking water.
Here’s a look at some of the gear Boca locals are picking up now, before things get picked over:
- Portable power stations: Helps keep phones and fans going when the power's out.
- Water Storage: The stores will run out of water. Get prepared today.
- Lanterns (not flashlights): Light up a room, not just a corner.
- Flashlights: Best-selling, highest-rated flashlights for any emergency.
- Batteries: Get your essential batteries before the stores sell out.
- NOAA radios: Still the most reliable way to hear alerts when the internet’s down.
- Food kits: You won’t love them, but you’ll be glad you have them.
- Water purification tablets: If the tap gets sketchy, these can help as retailers will sell out of bottled water.
- First aid kits: Often overlooked. Don’t forget it this year. Be sure to inspect any kits you may already own for expired and missing contents.
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The National Hurricane Center says the 2025 season could be a busy one. Warm water in the Atlantic usually means more activity — and faster-moving storms.
“Don’t wait for the cone,” said a county emergency rep. “Once a storm’s coming, stores clear out in hours. And you don’t want to be in that line.”
A few other reminders: refill any prescriptions, charge backup batteries, check your generator. Get cash while ATMs are working. Stock up on pet food, baby formula, and whatever else you’d rather not be without for a few days.
And whatever you do, don’t wait until the shelves are empty.
Satellite / Emergency Texting
Did you know? If cell towers go down, some newer smartphones — including the latest iPhones and Android models — now support satellite texting for emergencies. It won’t work for casual messaging, but if you need to call for help and there’s no signal, you can point your phone at the sky and send a short SOS or update. You’ll need a clear view of the sky and a bit of patience, but it can be a lifesaver when everything else is offline.
For local updates, closures, and alerts once storms get close, keep checking BocaPost.com.
Here is the full, legally compliant image attribution for WordPress use:
Photo Credit: "Hurricane Prep" by Florida Fish and Wildlife is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
