Red Cross Prepares Hurricane Response Across Gulf Coast Regions

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, communities across Florida are intensifying their preparedness and response strategies following a year of severe storms. Experts recommend individuals assemble emergency and financial survival kits, review insurance policies, and download resources like the Red Cross Emergency app to improve readiness and recovery outcomes. Local governments, such as in Treasure Island and Indian Shores, are conducting After Action Reviews and hosting educational events to address weaknesses in evacuation messaging and post-storm staffing, with a focus on better communication and resource allocation. Meanwhile, the University of Florida is collecting photos from residents to analyze the ongoing recovery process and identify persistent needs, especially in hard-hit and agricultural areas. The lessons learned from 2024’s storms—where water damage outweighed wind damage in many barrier islands—are shaping both policy and personal preparation for the anticipated active hurricane season. Community involvement, through volunteering, sharing information, and providing feedback, remains a cornerstone of effective disaster readiness and recovery.