Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic basin. Hurricanes bring sustained winds of 74+ mph, storm surge, flooding rain, and tornadoes.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Know your risk — Determine if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone by checking your local emergency management website. Understand the difference between hurricane watch (conditions possible wit...
- Review and update insurance — Verify your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers wind damage. Purchase flood insurance separately through NFIP (takes 30 days to activate). Document possessions wi...
- Strengthen your home — Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows. Reinforce garage doors. Seal roof and wall openings. Trim trees and remove dead branches. Clear rain gutters and dr...
- Build your emergency supply kit — Stock water (1 gallon per person per day for 7 days), non-perishable food, medications, first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, NOAA weather radio, cash, important ...
- Create a family communication plan — Establish meeting points, out-of-area contact, and multiple communication methods. Know your children's school emergency procedures.
- Prepare your vehicle — Keep your gas tank full. Stock a car emergency kit with water, snacks, first aid supplies, phone charger, and maps. Plan your evacuation route (identify 2-3 options).
- When a watch is issued — Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and garbage cans inside. Secure anything that cannot be brought in. Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for flushing and cle...
- When a warning is issued — If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately. Close and lock all windows and interior doors. Turn refrigerator/freezer to coldest setting. Turn off propane tanks. Unplug sma...
- If sheltering in place — Stay indoors, away from windows. Go to an interior room on the lowest floor. Do not go outside during the eye of the storm. Monitor weather radio for updates.
- After the storm — Avoid floodwaters (contamination, hidden hazards, downed power lines). Document damage with photos before cleanup. Contact insurance company promptly. Do not use tap water until a...
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until a warning is issued to prepare
- Not evacuating when ordered
- Forgetting flood insurance
- Running generators indoors
- Driving through floodwaters
Pro Tips
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and download the FEMA app for real-time no...
- Keep a waterproof bag with important documents (insurance policies, IDs, medi...
- Fill zip-lock bags with water and freeze them before the storm
- Take photos of your home's exterior and each room's contents for insurance do...
- If evacuating, let your out-of-area contact know your route and destination