Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Hold a Family Meeting

Discuss why you need to prepare for severe weather and ensure everyone understands the plan.

Establish Meeting Places

Choose two locations:

1. Primary: Right outside your home for sudden emergencies
2. Secondary: Outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home

Everyone in your family should know the addresses and have contact information for both locations.

Designate an Out-of-State Contact
After a disaster, long-distance calls are often easier to complete than local calls. Cell phone service may be unavailable if towers are damaged.

• Choose a friend or family member in another state to serve as your communication hub
• All family members should call this person to report their location and status
• Everyone must know the contact’s phone number

Plan for Pets

• Pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters
• Identify pet-friendly accommodations in advance
• Research boarding facilities outside the evacuation zone
• If you cannot evacuate with your pet, designate the safest room in your home (interior room with few windows and good ventilation) and leave ample water and food

Identify Evacuation Destinations

Choose several options before hurricane season:

• Friend or family home in another town
• Hotel or motel outside the evacuation zone
• Public shelter (locate options in advance)

Keep phone numbers, addresses, and a road map readily accessible. Remember that internet access may not be available during emergencies, so have printed information.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Visit your county’s emergency management website to determine if you live in an evacuation zone. Coastal and low-lying areas are typically at highest risk for storm surge.

Essential Supplies to Have Ready

Assemble supplies before hurricane season begins. Store items in waterproof containers and keep them easily accessible.

Water and Food

• One gallon of water per person per day (at least 3-day supply)
• Non-perishable food (at least 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars, dry cereal, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts
• Baby food and formula (if needed)
• Pet food and water

Medical and Sanitation

• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• Medical equipment and supplies
• First aid kit
• Personal hygiene items
• Toilet paper, moist towelettes, garbage bags
• Feminine supplies
• Cleaning and disinfecting products

Documents and Money

• Insurance policies (home, flood, vehicle)
• Identification (driver’s license, passport)
• Proof of residence (deed, lease, utility bill)
• Bank account information
• Credit and debit cards, cash
• Birth certificates, marriage certificates
• Social Security cards
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Pet vaccination records
• Contact information for family and important services

Store documents in waterproof containers or plastic bags.

Electronics and Communication

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
• Portable power banks

Tools and Supplies

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps (printed, not just on phone)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in waterproof container
• Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil

Clothing and Bedding

• Change of clothing for each family member
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves (seasonal)

Special Items

• Infant formula, bottles, diapers
• Pet supplies (food, water, medications, carrier)
• Games, books, puzzles for children
• Important family documents and photos

Secure Outdoor Items

Anything outdoors can become a dangerous projectile in high winds. Bring inside or secure:

• Lawn furniture and decorations
• Potted plants and hanging baskets
• Trash cans and recycling bins
• Grills and outdoor equipment
• Children’s toys and sports equipment
• Garden tools and equipment
• Umbrellas and shade structures

Trim Trees and Landscaping

• Remove dead or damaged tree limbs
• Trim branches strategically to allow wind to pass through
• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Remove loose debris from yard

Protect Windows and Doors

• Install storm shutters if available
• Board up windows if necessary
• Secure sliding glass doors
• Remove or secure outdoor antennas

Prepare Your Vehicle

• Fill gas tank (gas stations may close or run out)
• Check tire pressure and condition
• Ensure emergency supplies are in vehicle

Document Your Property

• Take photos or video of your home and belongings for insurance purposes
• Store documentation digitally and in waterproof containers

Adjust Your Refrigerator

Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings to help food last longer if power is lost.

Monitor Weather Updates

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio
• Watch local news stations
• Follow National Hurricane Center updates
• Check your county emergency management website

Review Your Emergency Plan

• Confirm evacuation routes and destinations
• Check disaster supply kit and replenish as needed
• Charge all electronic devices
• Withdraw cash (ATMs may not work without power)

Prepare Your Home

• Bring outdoor items inside
• Fill vehicles with gasoline
• Fill bathtubs and containers with water for emergency use
• Check flashlights and batteries
• Secure important documents

Stay Alert

Hurricane conditions can change rapidly. Continue monitoring official weather sources for updates.

Complete Final Preparations

If you are in an evacuation zone and officials order evacuation:

• Leave immediately
• Do not wait for conditions to worsen
• Evacuate during daylight if possible

If Evacuating:

Secure Your Home

• Unplug appliances and electronics
• Turn off electricity at the main breaker
• Turn off water at the main valve
• Lock all doors and windows

What to Take

• Disaster supply kit
• Prescription medications
• Important documents
• Cash and credit cards
• Cell phone and chargers
• Glasses, hearing aids, medical equipment
• Change of clothes
• Comfort items for children
• Pet supplies and carriers

Before You Leave

• Tell someone outside the storm area where you’re going
• Take photos of your home’s condition
• If time permits and you live in a flood-prone area, move furniture to upper floors
• Post emergency contact information on refrigerator

Travel Safely

• Follow designated evacuation routes
• Avoid flooded roads and damaged bridges
• Watch for road closures and detours
• Keep gas tank full
• Bring your emergency supply kit

If NOT Evacuating (Only if you are NOT in an evacuation zone):

Shelter in Place Safely

• Stay indoors on the first floor
• Move away from windows, skylights, and glass doors
• Close all interior doors
• Secure and brace exterior doors
• Go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor
• Stay in a small interior room, closet, or hallway away from windows
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture if possible

During the Storm

• Continue listening to weather updates
• Stay inside until officials say it’s safe
• Keep flashlights and battery-powered radio handy
• Turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored
• Do not go outside during the calm “eye” of the hurricane (the storm will resume)
• Stay away from windows even if they appear intact

Mobile Home Residents

If you live in a mobile home, evacuate immediately when a warning is issued. Mobile homes are not safe during hurricanes, even if tied down.

Stay Informed

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local broadcasts
• Monitor battery-powered devices (conserve phone battery)
• Do not use phone except for emergencies

Safety Precautions

• Stay indoors and away from windows
• Be alert for tornadoes (hurricanes often spawn tornadoes)
• Watch for flooding, even on upper floors
• Do not be fooled by the calm eye of the hurricane (winds will resume from the opposite direction)

If the Building Starts to Break Up

• Take shelter under sturdy furniture
• Use mattresses or blankets for protection from debris
• Move to an interior closet or bathroom

Do NOT

• Go outside to check on property during the storm
• Use candles (risk of fire)
• Touch electrical equipment if you’re wet
• Walk or drive through flood waters

Wait for Official All-Clear

• Do not return home until local officials say it’s safe
• Listen to local radio and TV for updates
• Beware of downed power lines and unstable structures

Approach with Caution

• Watch for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, and structural damage
• Do not enter if you smell gas or suspect structural damage
• Use flashlights (not candles or flames) when entering
• Take photos of damage for insurance claims

Check for Hazards

• Look for fire hazards (gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring)
• Sniff for gas leaks (if detected, turn off main valve and leave immediately)
• Shut off water if pipes are broken
• Check food in refrigerator and freezer for spoilage
• Do not use tap water until officials confirm it’s safe

Safety Around Your Property

• Stay away from flood waters (may be contaminated or electrically charged)
• Avoid puddles with power lines in or near them
• Report downed power lines immediately
• Do not drive through flooded areas
• Watch for snakes, insects, and animals displaced by flooding
• Beware of structural damage (weakened walls, floors, or roofs)

Document Damage

• Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
• Keep receipts for all repair expenses
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
• Do not make permanent repairs until insurance adjuster has inspected

Clean Up Safely

• Wear protective clothing, boots, and gloves
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home
• Remove standing water and mud
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet
• Throw out food that may have spoiled
• Be alert for mold growth in the days after the storm

Help Your Neighbors

• Check on elderly neighbors and those with disabilities
• Assist with rescue efforts only if trained and safe to do so
• Report trapped or injured people to authorities immediately

Emotional Recovery

Hurricanes are traumatic events. It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Seek support from family, friends, or professional counselors if needed.

Before Flooding Occurs

• Know your flood risk (check FEMA flood maps)
• Purchase flood insurance (homeowners insurance does not cover flooding)
• Elevate important items and utilities if you live in a flood-prone area

During Flooding

• Move to higher ground immediately if flooding is occurring
• Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters (“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”)
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down
• One foot of water can sweep away a vehicle
• Flood waters may be contaminated or electrically charged

After Flooding

• Wait until officials declare the area safe
• Avoid flood waters (may contain sewage, chemicals, or debris)
• Watch for animals (snakes, alligators) in flood waters
• Document flood damage for insurance claims