Hurricane preparation success requires early preparation before hurricane season ensuring readiness, timely action when hurricane watch is issued preparing for potential impact, decisive action when hurricane warning is issued taking protective measures, comprehensive emergency supplies supporting survival, thorough home protection minimizing damage, and safe behavior during hurricane staying protected. Whether you are preparing for Category 1 storm or major hurricane, this comprehensive checklist covers every aspect of hurricane safety and preparedness. From early season preparation through watch and warning phases, emergency supplies, home protection, and safe behavior during storm, this guide ensures you approach hurricane preparation with complete strategy, proper supplies, and commitment to safety that protects lives and property.
This detailed checklist walks you through early preparation before hurricane season, actions when hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before, steps when hurricane warning is issued 36 hours before, assembling emergency supplies, protecting your home, and staying safe during hurricane. Each phase addresses specific hurricane preparation needs, ensuring you are fully prepared for hurricane threat with supplies, plans, and knowledge needed to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
Early preparation before hurricane season builds foundation for effective response. Review and update evacuation plan and routes, as conditions and infrastructure may have changed. Identify evacuation zones and determine if you're in one, as evacuation zones are based on storm surge risk. Prepare emergency supply kit with 3-7 days of supplies including water, food, medications, and essential items.
Review and update insurance policies including flood insurance, as standard homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover flood damage. According to FEMA, just one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage. Document property with photos or video for insurance claims, as documentation helps with claims process. Create digital copies of important documents including identification, insurance policies, and financial records stored in secure cloud location.
Identify safe room or interior room without windows where you can shelter during storm. Trim trees and remove dead branches near home to reduce risk of damage. Clear gutters and drains of debris to ensure proper water drainage. Test generator and ensure adequate fuel storage if you have generator. Install hurricane shutters or prepare boarding materials in advance. Review emergency communication plan with family including meeting locations and contact methods. Early preparation ensures you're ready when hurricane threatens.
When hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before expected arrival, begin active preparation. Monitor weather updates and hurricane track closely, as tracks can change. Fill vehicle gas tanks and keep them full, as gas stations may run out or lose power. Withdraw cash from ATM in case power is lost and ATMs are unavailable.
Stock up on non-perishable food and water, ensuring you have adequate supplies. Fill prescription medications for 2-week supply, as pharmacies may be closed after storm. Charge all electronic devices and backup batteries to ensure communication capability. Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
Review evacuation routes and alternatives, as primary routes may become congested. Check emergency supply kit and restock if needed, ensuring everything is current and functional. Notify family and friends of your plans so they know your status. Active preparation during watch phase ensures you're ready if storm intensifies or warning is issued.
When hurricane warning is issued 36 hours before expected arrival, take decisive action. Make final decision to evacuate or shelter in place based on your location, storm intensity, and local recommendations. If evacuating, pack essential items and leave early to avoid traffic and dangerous conditions. If staying, move to safe room with emergency supplies ready.
Install hurricane shutters or board up windows to protect against wind and debris. Bring outdoor items inside or secure them to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Fill bathtubs and containers with water for flushing toilets if water service is interrupted. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings to preserve food longer if power is lost.
Unplug electronics and appliances to protect against power surges. Move vehicles to safe location if possible, away from trees and flood-prone areas. Secure important documents in waterproof container for protection. Decisive action during warning phase protects property and ensures safety.
Comprehensive emergency supplies support survival during and after hurricane. Stock 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days, meaning 7 gallons per person minimum. Prepare non-perishable food for 7 days including canned goods, dry foods, and items that don't require refrigeration or cooking. Pack manual can opener for canned food, as electric can openers won't work without power.
Prepare first aid kit with essential medical supplies including bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and emergency medical items. Stock prescription medications and medical supplies for extended period. Prepare flashlights and extra batteries for lighting, avoiding candles which pose fire risk. Pack battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates and emergency information.
Prepare portable phone charger or power bank for communication. Stock cash in small denominations, as ATMs and credit card systems may be down. Prepare important documents in waterproof container for protection. Pack personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies for maintaining cleanliness. Prepare pet supplies if you have pets including food, water, medications, and comfort items. Comprehensive supplies ensure you can survive and recover after storm.
Thorough home protection minimizes damage from wind, rain, and debris. Install hurricane shutters or board windows with 5/8-inch plywood cut to fit properly. Reinforce garage doors if vulnerable, as garage doors are common failure point. Secure or remove roof-mounted items including antennas, satellite dishes, or solar panels that could become projectiles.
Clear gutters and ensure proper drainage to prevent water damage. Trim trees and remove dead branches to reduce risk of falling limbs. Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture and decorations that could cause damage. Check roof for loose shingles or damage that needs repair. Ensure doors are properly secured including deadbolts and reinforcement if needed.
Move valuable items to higher floors if in flood zone to protect from water damage. Turn off propane tanks if applicable to prevent fire risk. Home protection measures significantly reduce damage and protect your investment.
Safe behavior during hurricane protects lives. Stay indoors and away from windows, as broken glass can cause serious injury. Move to interior room or safe room without windows for maximum protection. Avoid using candles due to fire risk, using flashlights instead.
Listen to battery-powered radio for updates and emergency information. Do not go outside during eye of storm, as dangerous conditions continue after eye passes. Keep emergency supplies nearby for easy access. Stay away from floodwaters, as they can be contaminated and dangerous. Do not use electrical appliances if water is present due to electrocution risk. Staying safe during storm is priority above all else.
Throughout your hurricane preparation, keep these essential practices in mind:
Hurricane preparation requires early preparation before season ensuring readiness, timely action when watch is issued preparing for impact, decisive action when warning is issued taking protective measures, comprehensive emergency supplies supporting survival, thorough home protection minimizing damage, and safe behavior during storm staying protected. By following this detailed checklist, preparing early, taking timely action, assembling supplies, protecting home, and staying safe during storm, you will be fully prepared for hurricane threat. Remember that early preparation prevents problems, evacuation saves lives, supplies support survival, home protection minimizes damage, and safety is always priority.
For more emergency preparedness resources, explore our emergency preparedness checklist, our flood preparation guide, our earthquake preparation checklist, and our winter storm preparation guide.
The following sources were referenced in the creation of this checklist:
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