Generators typically sell out 24–48 hrs before landfall — buy at the first NHC advisory, not the watch. Pair with a CO detector and a heavy-gauge outdoor extension cord.
5/8" plywood is standard for window boarding. Contractor-supply yards like Builders FirstSource carry bulk volume that big-box stores often run out of first.
Fill vehicles plus 1–2 spare cans early. GasBuddy's outage tracker helps during shortages. Keep propane on hand as backup cooking fuel if the grid goes down.
Most FL counties open free public sandbag sites once a tropical storm watch is issued — check your county EM page. Plan 10–15 bags per doorway and pre-fill while dry.
Flooded drywall must be cut out at least 12" above the waterline to stop mold. Contractor-supply yards typically handle volume orders faster than big-box stores after a storm.
Tarp the roof (a "blue roof") immediately as a temporary fix, and photograph all damage before covering it — you'll need that documentation for insurance.
Unscented bleach doubles as a water purifier (8 drops/gallon). N95 masks and gloves are essential for any mold-affected teardown work.
Florida law caps essential-goods pricing after an emergency declaration — report gouging at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM. Store links go to each chain's official locator; call ahead or check the store app for live inventory during storm rushes.