Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: Before, During, and After the Storm

Start Early: Pre-Season Preparation (May through November)

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in August and September. The best time to prepare is in early May, before any named storms are on the radar. Store shelves empty quickly once a storm enters the Gulf or Atlantic, and gas stations run dry within hours of a mandatory evacuation order. Early preparation eliminates panic buying and gives you time to make thoughtful decisions about your family's safety plan.

Begin by reviewing your homeowner's insurance policy, including flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program. Standard homeowner's policies typically do not cover flood damage. Inspect your roof for loose shingles, clear gutters and downspouts, trim dead tree branches, and reinforce garage doors. Test your sump pump and purchase a backup battery for it if you live in a flood-prone area. Create or update your family emergency communication plan and ensure every family member knows what to do when a hurricane threatens.

Home Hardening: Windows, Doors, and Exterior

Wind-borne debris is one of the leading causes of hurricane damage to homes. Install storm shutters or board every window with pre-cut plywood at least five-eighths of an inch thick. Measure and cut plywood panels before the season starts, label each panel, and store them in the garage or shed. For sliding glass doors, use plywood or impact-resistant film. Reinforce garage doors, which are a common entry point for high winds that can cause catastrophic roof failure.

Secure or bring inside all outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans, and anything that could become a projectile in 100 mph winds. Disconnect and store downspouts. Fill sandbags if you are in a flood-prone area and stack them along doorways and garage entries. Photograph your home's exterior and all contents before the storm for insurance documentation. Move vehicles to higher ground if you live in a storm surge zone.

Stock Your Hurricane Emergency Kit

A hurricane kit must cover at least seven days per person. Stock one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food for every meal, a manual can opener, disposable utensils, and wet wipes. Include at least two flashlights per person with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio, a first aid kit with a seven-day supply of prescription medications, and a fire extinguisher rated for multiple fire types.

Add storm-specific items: plywood or storm shutters, plastic sheeting, duct tape, sturdy work gloves, safety goggles, a whistle for signaling rescuers, a pry bar for post-storm cleanup, a portable power bank fully charged, and a waterproof document bag with copies of IDs, insurance policies, bank information, and medical records. Keep at least $300 to $500 in cash in small bills. Our hurricane emergency kit guide provides a detailed supply list organized by category.

Evacuation Route Planning and Timing

Know your evacuation zone before a storm threatens. Local authorities publish evacuation zone maps, and your county emergency management website will tell you which zone you live in. Plan at least two evacuation routes: a primary route and a backup in case the primary is congested or flooded. Map routes to at least two different shelters or hotels outside the flood zone. Share these routes with all family members and practice driving them at least once before the season begins.

Fill your vehicle's gas tank to at least three-quarters full when a storm enters the Gulf or Atlantic. Store an additional five gallons of fuel in approved containers. When a mandatory evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. Do not wait to see if the storm changes course. Roads become gridlocked within hours and gas stations run dry. If you cannot evacuate, identify the safest interior room in your home and prepare to shelter in place. Our hurricane evacuation plan guide covers route planning and timing strategies in greater detail.

Shelter-in-Place Procedures

If you are not in an evacuation zone, sheltering in place may be the safest option. Board all windows and reinforce exterior doors. Move your family to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from all windows. A hallway, bathroom, or closet works well. Bring sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, the NOAA weather radio, phones and chargers, water, snacks, and entertainment for children.

Fill bathtubs and large containers with water before the storm arrives for flushing toilets. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and avoid opening them during the outage. Unplug small appliances and electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity returns. Stay away from windows and exterior walls. Do not go outside during the eye of the storm, as dangerous winds will quickly return from the opposite direction.

During the Storm: What to Do While the Hurricane Hits

Monitor NOAA weather radio or local news broadcasts continuously for updates on the storm's position and intensity. Keep your phone charged and preserve battery life by turning off unnecessary apps. Stay in your interior room. The sounds of a hurricane, including flying debris and cracking trees, can be terrifying, especially for children. Remain calm, keep children occupied with games or books, and reassure them that you have prepared for this.

Do not use candles for lighting due to the fire risk, especially if you smell gas. Use flashlights and glow sticks instead. If you smell gas, open a window if it is safe to do so and move to a different room. Do not light matches or flip light switches. If your home sustains structural damage during the storm, move to the safest interior location and wait for conditions to improve before attempting any assessment. Avoid using the telephone except for life-threatening emergencies.

After the Storm: Safety Assessment and Cleanup

Before leaving your shelter area, check all household members for injuries and administer first aid as needed. Once conditions are safe enough to move around, inspect your home for structural damage before re-entering. Look for cracked foundations, leaning walls, damaged roof lines, and broken utility lines. If you suspect structural damage, do not enter the building and contact emergency services.

Shut off electricity at the breaker panel if you see sparking wires or water near electrical outlets. Turn off the gas main if you smell gas or hear hissing. Avoid all floodwater, which may contain sewage, chemicals, broken glass, or downed power lines. Never drive through standing water. Document all damage with photographs and video before beginning cleanup for insurance purposes. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Begin drying out your home within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Our home evacuation checklist covers post-disaster return procedures and documentation strategies.

Insurance Documentation and FEMA Assistance

File your insurance claim immediately after the storm. Most policies have time limits for filing. Provide your insurance company with photographs, video, and written descriptions of all damage. Keep receipts for all emergency repairs, temporary housing, and additional living expenses, as many policies cover these costs. If your claim is denied or undervalued, you have the right to appeal.

If you do not have flood insurance or your damage exceeds your coverage, apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. FEMA provides grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. These grants do not need to be repaid. Apply even if you have insurance, as FEMA may cover gaps your policy does not. Keep all receipts and documentation throughout the recovery process.

Mold Prevention and Home Recovery

Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in the warm, humid conditions that follow a hurricane. Begin drying out your home as soon as it is safe to do so. Remove wet carpet, carpet padding, drywall, and insulation that cannot be dried quickly. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows when outdoor conditions allow. Apply mold-inhibiting solutions to hard surfaces like tile and concrete.

Wear protective gear during cleanup including N95 masks, rubber gloves, safety goggles, and waterproof boots. Contaminated floodwater can carry bacteria, mold spores, and chemical hazards. If mold growth becomes extensive, hire a professional remediation company. Monitor family members for respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, and allergic reactions during and after cleanup. Our home emergency kit guide includes post-storm recovery supplies and strategies.