Hurricane
Preparedness Guide
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. If you live along the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, or anywhere that tropical systems can reach, here's how to be ready.
Essential Supplies
Assemble your hurricane kit before the season starts. Stores sell out fast once a storm forms.
Water
1 gallon per person per day for at least 7 days. Fill bathtubs before the storm for non-drinking use (flushing toilets). Freeze water bottles — they'll keep your freezer cold if power goes out and provide drinking water as they melt.
Food
7 days of non-perishable food. Canned goods (with a manual can opener), peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit, granola bars. Don't forget pet food.
Power & Light
Flashlights with extra batteries (not candles — fire risk with gas leaks). Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio. Phone charger and power bank. Consider a portable generator (never run indoors).
Medical
7-day supply of medications. First aid kit. Any medical devices that need power (CPAP, nebulizer) — have battery backups. Copies of prescriptions.
Documents
Insurance policies, IDs, deeds, birth certificates — in a waterproof bag. Take photos of everything and store them in the cloud. Have cash on hand ($200+ in small bills — ATMs won't work without power).
Fuel
Keep your car's gas tank full when a storm enters the Gulf or forms off the Atlantic coast. Gas stations run out or lose power. Top off propane tanks for grills (cooking backup).
Know Your Evacuation Zone
Most coastal counties publish evacuation zone maps (Zone A, B, C). Zone A is closest to the water and evacuates first. Know your zone before hurricane season. Search "[your county] evacuation zone" online or call your local emergency management office.
Plan your route inland. Identify two routes in case one is blocked. Know where shelters are along the way. If officials say evacuate, go. Storm surge kills more people than wind, and you cannot survive it by staying.
When a Hurricane Watch Is Issued
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74+ mph) are possible within 48 hours. This is your action window.
Review your plan
Confirm your evacuation route, shelter location, and who's responsible for what in your household.
Secure your home
Install hurricane shutters or board windows with plywood. Bring in outdoor furniture, trash cans, and anything that could become a projectile. Clear storm drains near your property.
Fill prescriptions and gas up
Get medications, top off the gas tank, withdraw cash. These things get hard to do once a warning is issued.
When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued
Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. If you're in an evacuation zone and officials have ordered an evacuation, leave now.
If you're sheltering in place: stay indoors, away from windows. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor during the worst of the storm. Do not go outside during the eye — the back half of the storm is coming. Keep your phone charged and monitor NWS updates.
Track Hurricanes on Your Phone
StormCast tracks every active NHC storm with live forecast tracks, wind speed data, and satellite imagery. You'll get push notifications for hurricane watches and warnings, plus proximity alerts when a storm comes within 500 miles of your location.
