Community

Okaloosa & Walton Counties Strengthen Hurricane Preparedness Amid Active 2025 Forecast

Bay Staff 3

June 4, 2025

By Lori Leath Smith

In response to forecasts predicting above-average storm activity for 2025, Okaloosa and Walton Counties are intensifying their hurricane preparedness efforts and ensuring we are well-prepared for these potential storms. With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1, Colorado State University anticipates 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes, exceeding the 30-year average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

Okaloosa County

Building on the success of previous initiatives, Okaloosa County hosted its second annual “Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party” on May 3, 2025, at the Okaloosa County Administration Building in Shalimar. The event featured expert presentations from Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety, and Jason Beaman, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in Mobile. Attendees received complimentary 2025 Hurricane Guides, engaged with various vendors and participated in public safety discussions with first responders.

In tandem with the expo, the county released its comprehensive 2025 Hurricane Guide, offering detailed information on evacuation zones, emergency contacts, shelter locations and post-storm recovery resources. You can download it at https://myokaloosa.com/emergency-management.

You can also sign up for emergency notifications through AlertOkaloosa.com or by texting “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777. Additionally, the county’s Emergency Management Division provides resources and updates via their official website, MyOkaloosa.com, and social media platforms.

Walton County

Walton County Emergency Management (WCEM) has launched several initiatives to bolster community readiness. You can review evacuation routes, learn how to assemble emergency supply kits and sign up for local alerts. The county’s official website offers resources and updates to assist in these preparations: https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.

Additionally, WCEM is hosting the 2025 HERricane Florida | Landfall: Walton County camp from July 29 to August 1. This free program aims to educate 7th to 9th-grade girls about emergency management and public safety careers, fostering the next generation of leaders in disaster response. For more information, visit https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1348/HERricane-Florida-Landfall-Walton-County.

Overall Quick Safety Tips:

Stay in your safe place – Get to high ground if flooding is a risk and shelter during high winds.
Check weather updates – Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts and monitor changing conditions.
Watch for flooding – Never drive through floodwaters. Just 1 foot can sweep a car away!
Listen to local officials – Follow evacuation orders and stick to recommended routes.

Key Hurricane Preparedness Steps:

Know Your Evacuation Zone: Determine your evacuation zone and route. Okaloosa County provides detailed maps and information at https://myokaloosa.com/gm/evacuation-zones. Walton County provides detailed maps and information at https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit: Include essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers and important documents. Crank your generator monthly to keep it in good shape, and don’t forget — June 2–15 is Florida’s Disaster Supplies Tax-Free Holiday! A comprehensive checklist is available at https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Stay informed by registering for local emergency notifications through AlertOkaloosa or by texting “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777. Stay informed by registering for local emergency notifications through Alert Walton at https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/1063/Emergency-Management.
Prepare Your Home: Secure loose outdoor items, install hurricane shutters, trim trees, clear debris, make sure gutters drain properly and ensure your home is in good repair to withstand high winds.
Plan for Pets: Make arrangements for your pets in case of evacuation, including food, water, and shelter.
Review Insurance Policies: Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane-related damages and understand the claims process. Review your policy for gaps, document your belongings, and save important files on a thumb drive or in waterproof/fireproof containers.