🌀Hurricane Prep: Essential Documents to Get Notarized Before the Next Storm Warning

Hurricane Season is here — officially running from June 1st through November 30th — and preparation needs to start now, not when the wind starts howling. 

⚠️ Tropical Storm & Hurricane Alerts: Know the Difference

WATCH: Conditions are POSSIBLE within a certain area. This notification is issued 48 hours in advance.

WARNING: Conditions are EXPECTED within a certain area. This notification is issued 36 hours in advance.

Latest on weather: https://www.weather.gov/

IMPORTANT SUPPLY LIST FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

It is recommended to have the following supplies stocked for at least 7 days, with the exception of prescription medications, for which a 14-day supply is advised.

✅ Bottled water (minimum of 1 gallon per person, per day, for 7 days)

✅ Non-perishable food (items that can be stored at room temperature for extended periods without spoiling, such as canned or packaged goods — enough for 7 days per person)

✅ Manual can opener (not electric)

✅ Disposable plates and utensils (enough for 7 days per person)

✅ Toilet paper and paper towels (enough for 7 days per person)

✅ Prescription medications and a First Aid Kit (14-day supply per person)

✅ Battery-powered radio – Make sure all batteries at home are in working condition

✅ Flashlights and extra batteries – Confirm batteries work before disaster strikes

✅ Change of clothes (enough for 7 days per person)

✅ Towels of various sizes (enough for 7 days per person)

✅ Personal hygiene and toiletry items – minimum 7-day supply per person (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, hair ties/clips, feminine hygiene products, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.)

✅ Eyeglasses and sunglasses, contact lenses, contact lens cases and solution

✅ Hearing aids (if used), along with backup batteries – Ensure they work properly

✅ Board games, books, and magazines for both children and adults

✅ Bedding (sheets, blankets) and pillows for small spaces (enough for 7 days per person)

✅ Special items for babies, seniors, or individuals with special needs (7-day supply per person)

✅ Pet care items, including enough food for 7 days

✅ Important family and household documents (medical insurance, property/auto insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, checkbooks, credit cards, Social Security cards, green cards, citizenship papers, passports, etc.) stored in a Ziploc bag or waterproof container

✅ Cash in small bills and coins (enough for 7 days per person)

✅ Keep all family vehicles’ gas tanks full, if possible

✅ Fuel for generator, if your home has one

✅ Cell phones for all family members and AirTags, if available – Make sure phones are charged, and pack chargers and fully charged power banks

✅ Garbage bags, sunscreen, sun hats, and insect repellent

✅ Extra set of car keys, if possible

What to do When

🧳 Before the Storm

• Sign up for emergency alerts: Text ALERTMIAMI to 888777

• Pack a “Go Bag” with essentials (food, water, meds, ID, and key documents)

• Know your evacuation route & where you’ll stay if you need to leave

• Review your insurance and document valuables

• Gather and protect all critical financial, legal, medical, and school documents

  
  

🌀 During the Storm

• Follow local officials’ instructions

• If told to evacuate, do it immediately — with your Go Bag

• Shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows

• Move to higher ground if flooding is a threat

• Never walk or drive through floodwaters

• Call 911 only in life-threatening emergencies

  
  

🌈 After the Storm

• Only return once authorities say it’s safe

• Don’t enter damaged buildings until inspected

• Avoid downed power lines, unstable trees, and heavy debris

• Wear gloves and sturdy shoes for cleanup

• Don’t drink tap water unless officials confirm it’s safe

  
  

🚨 If You’re Evacuating

• Check if your home is in an evacuation zone: miamidade.gov/hurricane

• ALL mobile home residents should evacuate, regardless of their zone

• Try to stay with family or friends in a non-evacuation zone

• Public shelters are available but are a last resort

• Locate shelters within 200 miles in advance

While most people rush to stock up on water and canned goods, one essential step often gets overlooked: 👉 Having the right documents signed and notarized before disaster strikes. Let’s talk about what you need to do - and why a notary should be part of your storm-prep strategy.

✅ Documents to Have Notarized Before a Hurricane

During emergencies, you may need to act fast - or have someone act for you. That’s why notarizing these documents ahead of time is critical:

🔹 Power of Attorney (POA)

Gives someone legal permission to make decisions on your behalf if you're unable to.

🔹 Advance Medical Directives

Ensures your healthcare wishes are respected if hospitals are overwhelmed.

🔹 Child Travel or Temporary Guardianship Letters

Crucial if someone else may need to care for your children during an evacuation.

🔹 Insurance or Real Estate Docs

Some documents may be required to file emergency claims or repairs post-storm.

🔹 Affidavits & Personal Declarations

Speed up post-disaster recovery, grant access to bank accounts, or confirm residence.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep all notarized documents in a waterproof folder as part of your “Go Bag.”

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✅Need documents notarized for a real estate transaction or any official matter? Our notary services are reliable, fast, and mobile!

📞 Call us at (786) 396-3018

📧 Email: info@myinknotary.com

🌐 Book online today!

Disclaimer: INK Notary Services, LLC is a private business providing support services and is not an attorney, does not provide legal services, and is not affiliated with the Florida Department of State. This material is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. INK Notary Services, LLC is not liable for your use of this content. Always consult a licensed attorney, accountant, or tax professional for official guidance. State-specific requirements may vary, so verify all rules with your local authorities, including your state’s notary division, before performing services.

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