Hurricane Milton landfall: 6 safety tips you shouldn't ignore and how your phone can come to your rescue

Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm, is expected to hit Tampa Bay on Wednesday with winds reaching 180 mph. While the storm is expected to weaken before it makes landfall Wednesday night, “Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," John Cangialosi, a specialist with the National Hurricane Center, warned in an update Tuesday.

If you are staying in Florida, here's what you need to know before the disastrous storm hits the region:

Hurricane Milton Kit:

Bottled water: One gallon per person per day


Canned food and soup: Options like beans and chilli

Can opener: For cans without easy-open lids

First-aid kit: Assemble a comprehensive kit

Prescription medications: At least two weeks' supply

Baby and children's needs: Include formula and diapers

Flashlight with extra batteries

Battery-operated weather radio: For updates

Hurricane Milton: Key safety tips you should know

Hurricanes pose significant risks, but being well-prepared can help ensure safety. Here are essential steps to follow before, during, and after a hurricane hits.

Stay Informed: Utilize reliable methods to receive weather alerts, such as smartphones or weather radios.

Charge Electronics: Ensure all battery packs and electronic devices are fully charged while power is available.

Seek Shelter: During the hurricane, stay in the safest part of your home. Interior rooms away from windows and exterior doors provide the best protection from potential tornadoes and severe storms accompanying hurricanes.

Stay Indoors after the storm: Injuries and fatalities frequently occur post-hurricane. Wait for officials to give clear instructions before going outside to avoid hazards like downed power lines and dangerous storm debris.

Generator Safety: If using a generator, place it outside and away from your home. Follow any boil water notices issued by local authorities.

Remain Cautious: If evacuation isn’t advised, stay indoors and keep away from windows. Be alert for tornadoes which can form during or after a hurricane. The safest location in your home is a closet or bathroom without windows.

ALSO READ: Hurricane Milton: Dramatic video shows massive turbulence on plane flying through monstrous storm to gather data

Hurricane Milton: How your phone can help in a hurricane

Your smartphone can be an invaluable resource during a hurricane. With the right websites and apps, you can transform it into a powerful tool to navigate the storm’s approach, arrival, and aftermath.

Enable Emergency Alerts: For iPhone Users: Go to Settings, then select Notifications. Look for Government Alerts and enable Emergency Alerts.

For Android Users: From the home screen of the app, scroll right along the bottom and click on Settings. In the settings menu, select Severe Weather Alerts and choose from options such as Most Severe, Moderate Severe, or All Alerts.

Hurricane Milton: How can one get gas in Florida?

As Hurricane Milton nears Florida, residents are rushing to buy gasoline for their preparations.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state is working to supply an additional 1.5 million gallons of both diesel and gasoline. Despite these efforts, some residents face challenges securing fuel.

In Central Florida, many report long waits at gas stations and some stations running out of fuel. To help locate available stations, Floridians can use the GasBuddy app or visit its interactive map. The map shows several stations in the area with limited fuel options. As of now, the average price of a gallon of gas in Florida stands at $3.103.

Hurricane Milton: Shelter guidelines

As Hurricane Milton approaches, shelters are opening across Southwest Florida. If you decide to go to a shelter, be sure to bring supplies for each family member.

Sleeping bag, sleeping pad and/or blankets and pillow

Personal flashlight & headlamps Disinfectant supplies, hand sanitiser, soap, cloth face coverings

Toothbrush/toothpaste Soap or body wipes

Feminine hygiene products

Cell phone chargers/backup battery Extra sets of clothes suitable for the season

Extra socks and sturdy shoes Food or snacks (72+ hours worth)

Books or magazine

Prescription medications, eyeglasses
ALSO READ: Hurricane Milton tracker: Monstrous storm could be worst in 100 years, second-strongest in Gulf of Mexico

Important documents

Hurricane Milton: Guidelines for your pets

Pet care items Pet food and water (at least two weeks worth)

Proper identification Medical records/microchip info/vaccination papers

A carrier or cage Muzzle and leash Water and food bowls Medications

Hurricane Milton: Curfews and Evacuations

Naples County, Florida, is prone to significant flood risks. The City of Naples has announced a mandatory curfew starting at 4 pm on Wednesday. Only essential personnel with valid credentials are exempt.

All beaches, beach access points, the Pier, Pier parking lots, and city parks have been closed since 6 pm on Monday. In Sanibel, a 24-hour curfew began at 10:00 pm on Tuesday. Fort Myers Beach also established a curfew at 10 pm on Tuesday during the local state of emergency.

Residents in Southwest Florida are ordered to evacuate due to the threat of storm surge. Rainfall in the area is expected to range from 5-10 inches, with up to 15 inches in other regions.

Southwest Florida International Airport will cancel all flights on Wednesday and Thursday; most flights were still operating on Tuesday. Updates on flights from RSW will be provided on Friday, October 11. Naples Airport will stop all FBO services at 6 pm on Tuesday and close at 7 pm. Corresponding NOTAMs will be updated as needed. RSW rental car facilities will also be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Residents are encouraged to visit their local fire department and municipalities for free sandbags, available amidst the threat of increased storm surge. Supplies are distributed quickly, and additional deliveries are ongoing.