As Tropical Storm Bertha moves across the northern Gulf of America, Bay County Emergency Management is urging residents to use the storm as a reminder to review evacuation plans and finish assembling their hurricane supply kits.

The message from local officials is simple: do not wait until a hurricane is headed directly toward Bay County before beginning preparations.

Tropical Storm Bertha developed in the Gulf south of the Florida Panhandle and strengthened to maximum sustained winds near 60 mph by Tuesday, July 21. Although the storm’s projected path was shifting west toward Louisiana, Bertha was still expected to produce heavy rain, gusty winds, rough surf, dangerous rip currents and possible coastal flooding across portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

For Bay County residents, the storm serves as an early-season warning that tropical systems can develop quickly and that their effects may extend far beyond the forecast center line.

“The First 72 Is on You”

Bay County Emergency Management Deputy Chief Russell Beaty said households should be prepared to take care of themselves during the critical first three days following a major storm.

“The first 72 is on you,” Beaty told WJHG. “There could be delays in emergency services, power restoration, food and water after a storm.”

Emergency officials recommend that every household have enough food, drinking water, prescription medication and other essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. Residents should also review their family communication plan, know their evacuation zone and keep important documents in a secure, waterproof container. 

While 72 hours is considered the immediate minimum, the Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends building a more complete kit capable of supporting each household member for at least seven days. That longer supply window can be especially important following a major hurricane, when roads may be blocked, stores may remain closed and utilities could be unavailable for an extended period. 

What Belongs in a Hurricane Kit?

A basic disaster supply kit should include:

•  * At least one gallon of water per person per day

•  * Nonperishable food and a manual can opener

•  * Prescription medications and basic first-aid supplies

•  * Flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered weather radio

•  * Phone charging banks and charging cables

•  * Personal hygiene products

•  * Cash in small denominations

•  * Copies of identification, insurance policies and medical information

•  * Pet food, water, medications, leashes and carriers

•  * Baby, senior or disability-related supplies needed by household members

Residents should also make sure vehicles are fueled, outdoor property is secured and generators are tested before severe weather arrives.

Generators must always be operated outdoors and far away from doors, windows and vents. They should never be used inside a home, garage or enclosed porch because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Read Article on Bay County Hurricane Preparedness Week: 

Also see Article on Panama City & Bay County Emergency Guide

See Tropical Depression Two Article

Many Hurricane Supplies Are Now Tax-Free Year-Round

Preparing a hurricane kit may now cost Floridians a little less.

Beginning August 1, 2025, Florida established permanent sales-tax exemptions for several categories of disaster-preparedness supplies. Qualifying products include household batteries, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and portable generators capable of producing 10,000 running watts or less. 

Other qualifying items include life jackets, insect repellent, sunscreen, waterproof tarps, ground-anchor systems, tie-down kits and portable gas or diesel containers holding five gallons or less. Local discretionary sales taxes may still apply in some cases. 

Unlike Florida’s previous limited disaster-preparedness sales-tax holidays, these exemptions are available throughout the year. That allows families to spread purchases across several weeks or months instead of trying to buy everything immediately before a storm.

Beaty recommended purchasing a few extra items during regular grocery trips and setting them aside. Gradually building a kit can make preparation more manageable while helping families avoid crowded stores and supply shortages when a storm approaches.

Know Your Zone and Stay Connected

Bay County has four storm-surge evacuation zones: A, B, C and D. Zone A includes areas closest to the water and would typically be considered first if evacuations become necessary. Residents should know their zone before an evacuation order is issued. 

Emergency Management also encourages residents to register for AlertBay, the county’s emergency notification system. Alerts can provide potentially lifesaving information concerning severe weather, evacuations, road closures and other public emergencies. 

Tropical Storm Bertha may not become a direct hurricane strike on Bay County, but officials say that is not a reason to become complacent. Each tropical system provides another opportunity to check supplies, update plans and make sure every member of the household knows what to do.

The best time to prepare is before the forecast cone turns toward home.

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