ATLANTIC • GULF • CARIBBEAN
Open NHC map ↗7-day tropical outlook
This map comes directly from the National Hurricane Center and may change throughout the day. Tap it to open the full official version.
Built in our community, for our community
Clear help.
Before the storm.
Get ready. Stay connected. Look out for your people. Hurricane readiness made clear for students, families, and every generation in our community.
Officially sourced. Always follow current evacuation orders.
Official data, refreshed automatically
Hurricane tracking & alerts
Official feeds connectedLast checked: —
LIVEAtlantic tropical cyclones
Checking the National Hurricane Center…
View all NHC advisories ↗SWFLLee County weather alerts
RADARLive weather radar↗ALERTSLee County updates↗EVACUATIONFind your zone↗SHELTERSPublic shelter status↗
Important: HurricaneHelp SWFL does not issue forecasts or evacuation orders. Always follow the NHC, NWS, Lee County, and local officials.
Instagram @hurricane.help ↗Your readiness dashboard
One plan. Every person.
01
⌖
Know where you’ll go
Ask an adult for your evacuation zone, then save your family’s two meeting places in your phone.
Open official zone map →02
☏
Make a contact chain
Choose one out-of-area contact. Screenshot their number and your family plan in case cell service is limited.
Write it down • Share it • Screenshot it03
✚
Plan for real needs
Include medications, mobility equipment, medical power needs, sensory needs, infants, languages, transportation, and animals.
Special-needs shelter guidance →Interactive supply check
Build a kit over time—not in a panic.
Start with what you already have. Add a few items each week and refresh food, water, medicine, and batteries before hurricane season.
0% ready
Florida protection guide
Insurance & laws,
without the fine-print fog.
General education only—not legal or insurance advice. Policies differ. Confirm coverage with your licensed agent and current rules with the linked Florida agencies.
Flood is usually separate.
Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Ask whether you have a separate flood policy or endorsement—and whether contents are covered.
Florida flood guide ↗A percentage deductible is real money.
A 2% hurricane deductible on $400,000 of dwelling coverage equals $8,000. Florida requires the deductible to appear as a dollar amount on the policy.
Deductible rules ↗Create proof you own it.
Record a slow video of every room, closet, garage, and valuable. Save receipts, serial numbers, policy pages, and photos somewhere accessible away from home.
Consumer guides ↗Document first. Report promptly.
Photograph damage, prevent additional loss only when safe, keep every receipt, and contact your insurer. Do not sign unfamiliar contracts under pressure.
Claims help ↗Florida consumer protections to remember
Report price gougingVerify a contractorPrice gouging restrictions may activate during a declared emergency. Verify contractors through DBPR. Get written estimates, keep contracts, and report suspected scams.
From awareness to impact
Students can protect a whole block.
You do not need to be a meteorologist to make your community safer. Share verified information, help households make plans, and connect people with official help.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Preparedness should feel clear and achievable.
HurricaneHelp SWFL was created by Katherine and Brooklyn, two Southwest Florida high school students. Growing up in a hurricane-affected region, we wanted to bring reliable guidance and local resources together in one accessible place for students, families, and neighbors.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGEReady in 30
A simple student-led campaign your club, class, or service group can run in one month.
- WEEK 1
Listen
Survey students and families: Who knows their zone? Who needs transport, language help, or supply support?
- WEEK 2
Teach
Host a 20-minute bilingual preparedness table at school, a library, community center, or faith organization.
- WEEK 3
Equip
Run a drive for radios, batteries, pet supplies, and unopened hygiene items. Partner with an established nonprofit to distribute them.
- WEEK 4
Measure
Repeat the survey. Report households reached, plans completed, kits supported, and lessons learned—never private personal data.
Be the plan starter
- Ask: “What is our evacuation zone?”
- Help save emergency contacts
- Check on a neighbor—with an adult
- Share official posts, not rumors
Make the plan usable
- Explain the plan to every child
- Arrange transport before a warning
- Review policies and deductibles
- Include pets and medical needs
Partner, don’t duplicate
- Invite emergency professionals
- Offer accessible, translated materials
- Coordinate donations before collecting
- Track outcomes honestly
Help us make this better
Did HurricaneHelp help?
Your anonymous response shows us what is useful and what our community still needs. We do not ask for your name, email, address, or evacuation zone.
≈ 60 secondsAnonymousBuilt for impact
Verified help desk
Official resources only.
Storm information changes quickly. These agencies are the source of truth—not viral posts or screenshots.