VERO BEACH, Fla. — The WPTV First Alert Weather Team held the first stop of its annual Storm Ready Hurricane Preparedness Tour at The Heritage Center in Vero Beach, offering residents tips on storm preparation, home insurance, post-storm safety, and more ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season.
WATCH BELOW: WPTV Storm Ready tour kicks off in Vero Beach
Meteorologist James Wieland led a presentation covering what residents need to know before the season begins. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
Last year's season was below average, producing 13 named storms, 5 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes of Category 3 strength. None made landfall in the United States.
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Know the difference: Watch vs. Warning
A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within your area. The National Hurricane Center issues watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical storm force winds.
A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified area. The National Hurricane Center issues warnings 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
Wieland emphasized the importance of relying on local information, noting that all weather events — including hurricanes — are local in nature. Official tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings are the best guides for preparing for a particular storm.
Create a family plan
Residents were encouraged to discuss hazards that could affect their household, identify a safe room and escape routes, designate an out-of-state friend as an emergency contact, and make a plan for pets in the event of an evacuation.
Build a hurricane supply kit
Recommended supplies include:
- Water — 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
- Food — enough for 3 to 7 days
- Pillows and clothing
- First aid kit
- Medications and prescriptions
- Hygiene items
- Flashlight and radio
- Cell phones
- Cash
- Important documents
- Vehicles with full fuel tanks
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Indian River County Emergency Management resources
Ryan Lloyd, emergency manager chief at Indian River County Emergency Management (IRCEM), also presented on the resources the county provides during emergencies and natural disasters.
Lloyd was joined by Rachel Ivey, who has been with the county and emergency management for 27 years, and Erin Reyes, emergency manager planner and training specialist at IRCEM.
Lloyd said residents have an obligation to prepare for storms and encouraged everyone to know their storm and know themselves, including whether they live in a flood zone or storm surge zone. Residents can check what risks their property faces at indianriver.gov.
The team noted that March through May is their busiest time of year outside of active storm season, as they coordinate with resources, shelters, and the school district to build emergency preparedness plans. The county also brings in pre-storm disaster supplies to store until they are needed.
Lloyd said residents should pay attention to public statements and announcements to know when evacuation may be necessary. Residents do not have to wait for the county to issue an evacuation order to leave, but Lloyd noted that once weather reaches certain thresholds, law enforcement and emergency services will not be able to respond due to safety concerns for their personnel.
The county is also working to keep flood insurance rates as low as possible for residents.
All Hazards Disaster Preparedness Expo — May 2
IRCEM invites all residents to the All Hazards Disaster Preparedness Expo on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, located at 3901 26th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
The free event will feature presentations, giveaways, and activities for kids. Residents can gather information from local organizations and learn how to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season.
Become a Weather Spotter
Attendees had the opportunity to join the Weather Spotters team, helping WPTV serve as the eyes and ears of the community.
If you were unable to attend this event, check out our five other stops on the tour here.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
