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Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Every household should have an emergency kit ready before hurricane season reaches its peak.
Consider including:
- Drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day for several days)
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Cell phone chargers and backup power banks
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Important personal documents stored in waterproof containers
- Cash in small bills
- Personal hygiene items
- Pet supplies if needed
Having these essentials prepared in advance reduces stress if emergency conditions develop.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
Every family should discuss what to do before an emergency occurs.
Your plan should include:
- Meeting locations if family members become separated.
- Emergency contact information.
- Evacuation routes.
- Transportation arrangements.
- Plans for elderly relatives, children, or family members with medical needs.
- Pet evacuation arrangements.
Practice the plan so everyone understands their responsibilities.
Know Your Evacuation Zone
If you live in a coastal area, local emergency management agencies often provide maps showing evacuation zones.
Knowing whether your home is located in a flood-prone or storm surge area helps you respond quickly if evacuation orders are issued.
Never wait until the last minute to leave if authorities recommend evacuation.
Heavy traffic and changing weather conditions can make travel much more difficult.
Protect Your Home
There are several steps homeowners can take before hurricane season.
Trim dead or weak tree branches that could fall during strong winds.
Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations that could become airborne.
Inspect your roof for loose shingles.
Clean gutters and storm drains to improve drainage.
Consider installing storm shutters or using plywood to protect windows if recommended for your area.
These precautions may reduce property damage during severe weather.
Stay Informed
Reliable information is essential during hurricane season.
Monitor forecasts from your national weather service and local emergency management officials.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially when storms approach land.
Avoid relying on rumors or unverified social media posts.
Official updates provide the most accurate information regarding storm tracks, watches, warnings, and evacuation recommendations.
During the Storm
If local officials advise residents to remain indoors, stay inside until authorities indicate conditions are safe.
Keep away from windows during periods of strong wind.
Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible if power fails.
Conserve phone battery life for important communications.
If flooding begins, move to higher ground immediately if it is safe to do so.
Never drive through flooded roadways.
Even shallow water may conceal hazards or carry enough force to move a vehicle.
After the Hurricane
Once the storm has passed, hazards may still exist.
Downed power lines, damaged buildings, contaminated floodwater, and weakened trees can all pose dangers.
Only return home after local officials indicate it is safe.
Inspect property carefully before entering damaged structures.
Photograph any damage for insurance purposes.
Dispose of spoiled food if refrigeration has been interrupted for an extended period.
Continue monitoring official updates in case additional weather threats develop.