Hurricane Prep for Rural Floridians: Wells, Generators, Livestock and More

Updated November 2, 2026 · By the Florida Rednecks team

Hurricane prep in rural Florida means planning to be on your own longer than city folks. Power and road access can take days or weeks to restore in the country, and if you're on a well, no power means no water. The basics are: know your evacuation zone and route, stock at least a 7-day supply of water, food and medicine, run generators safely outdoors, protect your well and septic, make a plan for livestock and pets, and get flood insurance well before a storm. Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.

Step 1: Make a plan before the season

• Know your zone: Look up your evacuation zone through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (floridadisaster.org) or your county emergency management office. Inland areas aren't storm surge zones but can still flood from heavy rain and rivers.
• Plan your route and destination: Rural roads can flood or be blocked by trees. Have a primary and backup route, and a place to go, such as family or friends inland or a shelter.
• Register if you have special needs: Counties keep special needs registries for people who need help evacuating or need a shelter with medical support. Register early.
• Sign up for alerts from your county and follow the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service office.
• Know when to leave: If you live in a mobile or manufactured home, plan to evacuate for any hurricane, wherever you live in Florida.

Step 2: Build a 7-day supply kit

Florida emergency officials recommend having at least a seven-day supply of essentials.

• Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day, plus extra for pets and livestock.
• Food: Nonperishable food that doesn't need cooking, a manual can opener and pet food.
• Medicine: Refill prescriptions before the storm, and keep a supply of over-the-counter basics and first aid gear.
• Power and light: Flashlights, headlamps, batteries, power banks and a battery or crank weather radio.
• Cash: ATMs and card readers may be down.
• Documents: Insurance policies, IDs, deeds, vet records and photos of your property in a waterproof bag, plus digital copies.
• Tools: Chainsaw with fuel and chain oil, tarps, rope, duct tape, work gloves, a pry bar and a basic tool kit.
• Fuel: Fill vehicle tanks early, and store generator fuel safely in approved containers, away from the house.

Florida has made certain disaster-preparedness supplies exempt from sales tax; check the Florida Department of Revenue for current eligible items.

Step 3: Water when you're on a well

Most rural homes rely on an electric well pump. When the power goes out, water stops.

• Before the storm, fill clean containers with drinking water and fill bathtubs and buckets for flushing toilets and washing.
• If your well head could flood, consider turning off power to the pump before floodwaters reach it.
• If floodwater covers your well, assume the water is contaminated. Don't drink it until the well is disinfected and tested. Your county health department can advise on well disinfection and water testing.
• Follow boil-water notices if you're on a small community water system.

Step 4: Generators: power without poison

Carbon monoxide from generators kills people after nearly every major Florida hurricane. Follow these rules every time:

• Never run a generator indoors, including in garages, carports, sheds or under the house, even with doors open.
• Keep it at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away from windows, doors and vents.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms inside your home.
• Never backfeed your house by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. It can electrocute utility workers and neighbors. Use a properly installed transfer switch or heavy-duty extension cords.
• Let it cool before refueling, and keep it dry and out of the rain under an open canopy designed for generators.

Step 5: Septic systems

• If the ground is saturated or flooded, use water sparingly; your septic drain field can't absorb much.
• Don't pump out a septic tank while the ground is flooded; it can cause the tank to shift or float.
• If sewage backs up into the house, stop using water and call a licensed septic professional.

Step 6: Livestock and pets

• Identify animals: Use microchips, tags, brands or livestock-safe markings with your phone number. Take photos of each animal with you.
• Decide early whether to evacuate or shelter in place. Moving horses and cattle takes time and trailers; don't wait for the last minute.
• If sheltering in place: Move livestock to the highest ground, in a pasture without overhead power lines or loose debris, with access to water. Many experts recommend open pastures over closed barns, which can collapse.
• Stock feed and hay for at least a week, stored off the ground and covered.
• Pets: Find pet-friendly shelters or hotels ahead of time; not all shelters accept pets.
• Resources: UF/IFAS Extension and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services publish disaster guidance for livestock and horses.

Step 7: Secure the property

• Trim dead limbs and trees near the house well before the season, not when a storm is approaching and landfills close.
• Anchor propane tanks so they can't float away in a flood.
• Secure or store outdoor equipment, trailers, deer stands, lawn furniture and anything that can become a projectile.
• Haul boats out of the water if possible, strap them to trailers, and move them to higher ground.
• Install shutters or impact-rated protection on windows if you have them.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings, and freeze water jugs to keep food cold longer.

Step 8: Insurance and documentation

• Flood insurance: Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood. National Flood Insurance Program policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buy well before a storm. Private flood policies are also available.
• Know your deductibles: Florida homeowners policies often have a separate hurricane deductible, usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
• Document everything: Take photos or videos of your home, vehicles, equipment and belongings before the season.
• After the storm: Photograph damage before cleanup, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, keep receipts and contact your insurer promptly.

After the storm: rural safety

• Stay out of floodwater; it can hide downed power lines, sharp debris, snakes and alligators.
• Chainsaw work causes many post-storm injuries. Wear chaps, eye and ear protection and gloves, and never cut alone or above shoulder height.
• Stay off roads until they're cleared, and never drive through flooded roadways.
• Check on neighbors, especially elderly folks living alone. In the country, neighbors are the first responders.
• Report price gouging to the Florida Attorney General's office during declared emergencies.