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Hurricane preparation isn’t just about buying bottled water the day before landfall.

A serious hurricane can bring several threats at once:

• Destructive wind
• Wind-driven rain
• Storm surge
• Inland flooding
• Tornadoes
• Extended power outages
• Water and sewer disruptions
• Blocked roads
• Communications failures
• Fuel shortages

And those effects aren’t limited to homes directly on the beach. Heavy rain, flooding, wind damage and power outages can extend well inland.

Effective hurricane home preparedness starts long before a storm appears on the forecast.

Some preparations involve strengthening the house.

Others involve supplies.

Some involve insurance and documents.

And one of the most important decisions may be recognizing when protecting the house stops mattering and it’s time to evacuate.

The goal isn’t to make a house “hurricane-proof.”

Very few homes are literally hurricane-proof.

The realistic goal is to reduce damage, protect the people inside, maintain essential supplies and have a safe evacuation plan when staying is no longer appropriate.

This guide walks through that process from long-term home improvements to the final hours before a storm.

Hurricane preparation works best as part of a larger household preparedness system. Our Five Pillars of Prepping guide shows how emergency planning, water, food, shelter, power, health, communication and transportation work together when normal systems are disrupted.

1. Understand Your Actual Hurricane Risk

Before buying equipment, understand what can realistically affect your property.

Hurricanes create different hazards in different places.

A coastal home may face storm surge.

A house farther inland may face extreme rainfall and flash flooding.

Another property may be primarily exposed to high winds, falling trees and extended power outages.

The National Hurricane Center identifies major hurricane hazards including storm surge, heavy rainfall and inland flooding, high winds, rip currents and tornadoes.

Your preparedness plan should reflect your property’s risks, not simply a generic hurricane checklist.

Know Whether You’re in an Evacuation Zone

An evacuation zone and a FEMA flood zone are not necessarily the same thing.

Coastal communities may establish evacuation zones based partly on storm-surge risk.

Know whether your home is inside one and how local officials communicate evacuation orders.

The National Hurricane Center advises coastal residents to determine before hurricane season whether they live in a storm-surge evacuation zone and to follow local evacuation orders when surge threatens.

The National Hurricane Center provides storm-surge information and resources that explain the threat and why coastal evacuation zones matter. Check local emergency-management information as well, because evacuation zones and instructions are established locally.

Understand Your Flood Risk

Don’t assume you’re safe from flooding simply because you don’t live directly on the coast.

Tropical systems can produce severe inland flooding hundreds of miles from landfall.

Look at:

• Local flood history
• FEMA flood information
• Nearby rivers and streams
• Drainage problems
• Low areas around your property
• Local evacuation information

Flood risk should influence where you store emergency supplies, vehicles, documents and expensive equipment.

2. Review Insurance Before Hurricane Season

Insurance isn’t exciting preparedness.

But after a major storm, it can matter more financially than almost anything in your emergency kit.

Review:

• Homeowners insurance
• Wind/hurricane coverage
• Deductibles
• Flood coverage
• Vehicle coverage
• RV/boat coverage where applicable
• Coverage for detached structures

Do not assume ordinary homeowners insurance covers every type of hurricane-related damage.

Flood damage, in particular, may require separate coverage.

Ask your insurance professional what your specific policies cover.

Create a Home Inventory

Walk through the house with your phone and document your belongings.

Photograph or record:

• Rooms
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Appliances
• Tools
• Outdoor equipment
• Valuable possessions

Save copies somewhere you can access even if your phone or computer is damaged.

Receipts, serial numbers and model numbers can also be useful for major items.

3. Protect Important Documents

A hurricane can turn into a paperwork disaster surprisingly quickly.

Maintain accessible copies of important information such as:

• Identification
• Insurance policies
• Property information
• Medical information
• Prescription information
• Emergency contacts
• Vehicle information
• Pet records

Use an appropriate waterproof container for physical copies.

Secure digital backups provide another layer of protection.

If you evacuate, critical documents should leave with you.

4. Inspect the Roof Before Storm Season

Your roof is one of the home’s most important defenses against hurricane damage.

A small weakness can become a much larger problem under extreme wind and rain.

Before hurricane season, inspect for:

• Missing shingles
• Damaged shingles
• Loose flashing
• Damaged vents
• Deteriorated seals
• Visible roof damage
• Loose gutters

If you aren’t qualified to inspect or repair a roof safely, use an appropriate roofing professional.

Do not climb onto the roof as a hurricane approaches.

Roof-to-Wall Connections

Some homes in hurricane-prone areas use hurricane clips, straps or other connections designed to improve the structural connection between the roof and walls.

Whether retrofitting makes sense depends on the home’s construction, local building codes and existing structure.

This is a structural issue—not a last-minute DIY hurricane project.

A qualified contractor, engineer or local building official can help determine appropriate improvements.

FEMA similarly advises homeowners to consider their home’s characteristics and local building requirements and to consult appropriate building professionals for structural mitigation work.

5. Protect Windows and Glass Doors

Flying debris can break windows and expose the interior of the house to wind and rain.

Options may include:

• Tested storm shutters
• Properly designed storm panels
• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• Properly installed plywood protection when appropriate

The best system depends on the house, local codes and budget.

The important part is having the materials and installation plan before the storm is approaching.

Don’t wait until stores are sold out and tropical-storm-force winds are hours away.

FEMA provides additional guidance for homeowners on reducing hurricane damage, including protecting openings, strengthening vulnerable parts of the structure, and addressing wind and water risks before a storm threatens.

6. Pay Special Attention to the Garage Door

The garage door can represent a large opening in the exterior of the house.

Older or inadequately rated doors may be vulnerable to extreme wind.

Check:

• Door condition
• Tracks
• Hardware
• Bracing
• Wind rating if known
• Manufacturer recommendations

If reinforcement or replacement is needed, address it well before hurricane season and follow local building requirements.

Avoid improvised last-minute structural modifications that haven’t been evaluated for the door.

7. Inspect Exterior Doors

Exterior doors should close and latch correctly.

Inspect:

• Hinges
• Frames
• Locks
• Weather sealing
• Glass panels
• Door condition

Don’t assume adding a stronger deadbolt automatically makes a door hurricane resistant.

Wind performance involves the entire door assembly, frame and installation.

8. Clear Gutters and Drainage

Water needs somewhere to go.

Before hurricane season and again when a storm threatens, check:

• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Yard drains
• Culverts
• Drainage channels

Remove leaves and debris where it is safe to do so.

Make sure downspouts direct water appropriately away from the structure where possible.

This will not prevent major flooding, but routine drainage maintenance can help reduce avoidable water problems around the house.

9. Look at the Property Like the Wind Will

Walk around the yard and ask:

What could become airborne?

Potential problems include:

• Patio furniture
• Umbrellas
• Grills
• Trash cans
• Planters
• Children’s toys
• Garden tools
• Decorations
• Loose lumber
• Lightweight storage
• Hanging objects

Bring loose items inside or secure them appropriately well before conditions become dangerous.

CDC specifically recommends clearing yards of objects that can blow around and moving items such as lawn furniture, grills and building materials into shelter.

10. Deal With Trees Before the Storm

Trees can damage:

• Roofs
• Vehicles
• Power lines
• Fences
• Outbuildings

Look for obvious problems such as dead limbs or visibly damaged trees.

Large-tree work can be dangerous and should be handled by qualified professionals when necessary.

Don’t start major chainsaw or tree-trimming work as hurricane winds approach.

The time for preventative tree maintenance is before hurricane season.

11. Secure Sheds and Outbuildings

Don’t prepare only the main house.

Inspect:

• Sheds
• Workshops
• Detached garages
• Carports
• Greenhouses
• Animal structures

Loose roofing, doors and poorly secured equipment can become hazards during extreme wind.

Secure outdoor equipment and move smaller valuable items into more protected locations where practical.

12. Prepare for Flooding

Wind receives much of the attention during hurricanes, but water can be equally or more destructive.

If your property has flood exposure, consider long-term mitigation appropriate to the structure.

That may involve professional evaluation of:

• Electrical components
• HVAC equipment
• Water heaters
• Appliances
• Flood-resistant materials
• Backflow protection
• Flood openings
• Utility equipment

FEMA guidance includes measures such as elevating electrical components and major equipment above expected flood levels, but work on electrical systems should be performed by qualified professionals and comply with applicable codes.

The old idea of simply raising outlets “12 inches” everywhere is too simplistic.

Flood mitigation should be based on the property’s actual flood elevation and applicable requirements.

13. Move Valuable Items Higher

When flooding becomes possible, move vulnerable items away from low areas when you have enough time to do so safely.

Prioritize:

• Documents
• Electronics
• Photographs
• Irreplaceable items
• Important equipment

If your house has an upper level, moving selected possessions upward may reduce losses.

But don’t risk injury trying to move heavy furniture during an emergency.

People come before property.

14. Prepare for an Extended Power Outage

A hurricane may pass in hours.

The outage can last much longer.

Prepare for losing:

• Lighting
• Refrigeration
• Air conditioning
• Internet
• Charging
• Well pumps
• Some cooking capability
• Medical equipment that depends on electricity

Think beyond flashlights.

Ask what your household would need if electricity remained unavailable for several days.

Because the outage may last much longer than the storm itself, prepare for more than a few hours without electricity. Our Extended Power Outage guide walks through what can happen during the first 48 hours and how to prepare for water, food, lighting, communication and other essential needs.

15. Generator Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Portable generators can be extremely useful after hurricanes.

They can also cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

CDC advises that portable generators and other fuel-burning equipment be operated outside and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, with battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide detection used when fuel-burning equipment is operating.

Never operate a portable generator inside:

• House
• Garage
• Basement
• Shed
• Enclosed porch
• Other enclosed or partially enclosed living area

Never attempt to power household wiring through an unsafe improvised connection.

If you want a generator connected to household circuits, have the appropriate electrical equipment installed professionally according to applicable requirements.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making safe generator placement critical during an outage. The CDC provides additional guidance on generator use and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning during emergencies.

16. Build a Lighting Plan

Don’t make candles your primary emergency lighting.

LED flashlights, headlamps and lanterns provide safer and more practical options for most situations.

Keep lights in predictable locations.

Useful places include:

• Bedrooms
• Kitchen
• Main living area
• Emergency kit
• Vehicles

A headlamp is particularly useful because it leaves both hands free.

A headlamp is especially useful during a hurricane outage because it keeps both hands free for moving supplies, checking equipment or safely navigating a dark house. The Energizer Universal LED Headlamp 2-Pack is a practical option for keeping in your household emergency supplies.

17. Store Emergency Water Before the Storm

Municipal water systems can be disrupted.

Private wells may stop working during power failures.

Flooding can also contaminate water supplies.

Maintain emergency drinking water before hurricane warnings create a rush on stores.

Your water plan should account for:

• Drinking
• Cooking
• Medications
• Basic hygiene
• Pets

CDC advises using bottled, boiled or appropriately treated water when normal water is unavailable or authorities indicate it may be unsafe.

Water is one supply you don’t want to start looking for after hurricane warnings send everyone to the stores. Our Home Water Storage System guide explains how much emergency water to plan for, appropriate storage containers, treatment and rotation.

18. Keep More Than One Way to Treat Water

Stored water should be your first line of defense.

A backup treatment method adds redundancy.

Depending on the situation, that could include:

• Boiling
• Appropriate disinfection
• Water filtration
• Combination treatment

Remember that filtration systems differ in what they remove.

Floodwater may contain microorganisms, chemicals, sewage and other contamination.

Don’t assume a backpacking filter makes every questionable water source safe.

Follow local public-health guidance after flooding or water-system disruption.

19. Build a Hurricane Food Supply

Choose food that remains useful when electricity and refrigeration are unavailable.

Examples include:

• Canned meat
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Soup
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• Oatmeal
• Shelf-stable milk
• Nuts
• Dried fruit
• Energy bars
• Ready-to-eat meals

Include a manual can opener.

Account for:

• Children
• Allergies
• Medical diets
• Older adults
• Pets

Rotate supplies instead of buying a pile of “survival food” and forgetting about it.

20. Know What Happens to Refrigerated Food

Power outages create food-safety decisions.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

Use appliance thermometers if available.

When food safety is uncertain after an extended outage, use current USDA or CDC guidance rather than guessing based on smell or appearance.

After hurricanes, CDC advises discarding food that contacted floodwater or stormwater and food that was not properly refrigerated during an outage.

21. Prepare Emergency Communications

A smartphone is extremely valuable during a hurricane.

Keep it charged.

But create backup options.

Your communications plan might include:

• Phones
• Charging cables
• Power banks
• Vehicle chargers
• Emergency/weather radio
• Written contact numbers

Know where official local emergency information comes from.

Don’t depend entirely on social-media posts.

A dedicated emergency radio provides another way to receive weather alerts and emergency information if internet or cellular service becomes unreliable. The Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Radio offers multiple power options and access to NOAA weather alerts, making it a practical addition to a hurricane emergency kit.

22. Prepare Medications and Medical Needs

Don’t wait until evacuation day to discover you’re almost out of critical medication.

Before hurricane season, think through:

• Prescription medications
• Refrigerated medications
• Medical equipment
• Mobility equipment
• Batteries
• Oxygen requirements
• Medical documentation
• Backup power requirements

If someone’s health depends on electricity or specialized medical equipment, the household evacuation threshold may need to be earlier.

Discuss appropriate emergency planning with the person’s medical provider and local emergency-management resources where necessary.

23. Prepare Pets Too

Pets need their own evacuation plan.

Keep available:

• Food
• Water
• Bowls
• Medications
• Leashes
• Harnesses
• Carriers
• Waste supplies
• Vaccination records
• Identification information

Know which evacuation destinations accept animals.

Don’t assume every shelter or hotel will.

24. Prepare Your Vehicles

When a hurricane begins threatening your area, transportation becomes part of the preparedness system.

Before conditions deteriorate:

• Fuel vehicles
• Check tires
• Check fluids
• Charge devices
• Load vehicle emergency supplies
• Know evacuation routes
• Move vehicles away from flood-prone locations where appropriate

CDC recommends preparing vehicles ahead of hurricanes, including filling the fuel tank and maintaining an emergency kit.

25. Know Your Evacuation Routes

Don’t have just one route.

Roads may close because of:

• Flooding
• Accidents
• Downed trees
• Emergency operations
• Heavy traffic

Know your official evacuation routes and reasonable alternatives.

Keep paper maps available as a backup to phone navigation.

If an RV is part of your evacuation plan, leaving early becomes even more important because larger vehicles need more fuel, more maneuvering room and suitable evacuation routes. Our RV Emergency Evacuation guide covers route planning, fuel, water, power, pets, breakdowns and what to do if the RV becomes unusable.

26. Know When to Evacuate

This may be the most important part of the entire guide.

A reinforced house is not a reason to ignore an evacuation order.

If local authorities order evacuation, follow their instructions.

CDC specifically advises residents not to ignore evacuation orders and notes that even sturdy, well-built homes may not withstand every hurricane hazard.

Reasons evacuation may become necessary include:

• Storm-surge risk
• Flood risk
• Mandatory evacuation order
• Unsafe structure
• Medical needs
• Mobile/manufactured housing
• Inability to safely remain without power
• Other instructions from emergency officials

Your property can be repaired or replaced.

People cannot.

27. Prepare a 72-Hour Go-Bag

Even if you plan to shelter at home, maintain portable emergency supplies.

Conditions can change.

A go-bag should be able to leave with you quickly.

Consider:

• Water
• Food
• Medications
• First aid
• Clothing
• Flashlight
• Phone charging
• Hygiene items
• Documents
• Emergency contact information

A go-bag keeps your most important supplies portable if you need to leave quickly or conditions force you to change plans. Our 72-Hour Go-Bag Checklist covers practical water, food, first aid, shelter, clothing, documents and emergency gear to keep packed and ready.

28. Decide Where You Will Go

Evacuation planning needs a destination.

Possible options include:

• Family
• Friends
• Hotel
• Emergency shelter
• RV campground outside the risk area
• Other predetermined safe location

Identify more than one option.

Hotels can fill.

Roads can close.

Storm tracks can change.

A destination that looked safe yesterday may no longer make sense today.

29. Prepare for Communication With Family

Everyone should understand the basic plan.

Decide:

• Who contacts whom
• Where you’ll meet
• Who handles children
• Who handles pets
• Who grabs medications
• Who grabs documents
• What happens if family members are separated

Choose an out-of-area contact when useful.

Written contact information is valuable if a phone is lost or damaged.

30. What to Do 72 Hours Before Expected Impacts

Forecasts change, so this isn’t a rigid countdown.

But when your area has a credible hurricane threat, start moving from general preparedness into active readiness.

Around 72 Hours Out

Consider:

• Monitor official forecasts
• Review evacuation information
• Fuel vehicles
• Charge batteries and power banks
• Test generator
• Check prescriptions
• Confirm evacuation destination
• Begin securing outdoor items
• Check food and water
• Contact family members
• Review pet arrangements

Do the easy work early.

31. What to Do 48 Hours Before Expected Impacts

As confidence in local impacts increases:

• Finish securing outdoor items
• Prepare window protection if appropriate
• Fill emergency water containers
• Organize medications
• Pack go-bags
• Protect documents
• Prepare refrigerator/freezer
• Confirm fuel
• Check flashlights
• Monitor evacuation instructions

If your household plans to evacuate, don’t automatically wait until the final possible moment.

32. What to Do 24 Hours Before Expected Impacts

By this point, the emphasis should be on safety—not home-improvement projects.

Do not begin risky roof, tree or structural work.

Focus on:

• Official instructions
• Evacuation decisions
• Final supplies
• Communication
• Safe shelter location
• Charging
• Water
• Pets
• Medications
• Documents

If told to evacuate, leave according to official instructions.

33. If You Shelter at Home

Only shelter at home when doing so is appropriate for your location and circumstances.

During dangerous wind conditions:

• Stay indoors
• Stay away from windows
• Use an interior protected area when appropriate
• Keep emergency supplies accessible
• Monitor official information

Do not go outside simply because conditions suddenly become calm.

The eye of a hurricane can produce temporary calm before dangerous conditions return.

CDC advises people sheltering at home to remain inside and wait for official confirmation that the hurricane has passed.

34. Know Your Safest Interior Area

Before the storm, identify where household members will move if conditions become dangerous.

Depending on the home and hazard, that may be:

• Interior room
• Hallway
• Closet
• Other protected location away from windows

Remember that hurricane sheltering decisions can differ when storm surge or flooding is the primary threat.

An interior room does not protect you from rising floodwater or storm surge.

That’s why evacuation guidance matters.

35. Never Drive Through Floodwater

One of the most dangerous decisions after or during a storm is attempting to drive through flooded roads.

Water can:

• Hide washed-out pavement
• Stall vehicles
• Move vehicles
• Conceal debris
• Conceal electrical hazards

Turn around rather than gambling on unknown floodwater.

CDC warns that vehicles can stall or be swept away in moving floodwater.

36. What to Do Immediately After the Hurricane

The end of the wind does not mean the emergency is over.

Post-storm hazards may include:

• Floodwater
• Downed power lines
• Damaged structures
• Carbon monoxide
• Contaminated water
• Unsafe food
• Broken glass
• Mold
• Unstable trees
• Gas leaks

Wait for appropriate official guidance before returning to evacuated areas.

37. Be Careful Reentering a Damaged Home

If the house has significant structural damage, don’t assume it’s safe because it’s still standing.

Potential hazards include:

• Roof failure
• Ceiling collapse
• Electrical damage
• Gas leaks
• Flood contamination
• Mold
• Sharp debris

CDC advises against reentering a damaged home until it has been determined safe when structural damage is a concern.

38. Treat Floodwater as Contaminated

Floodwater is not just rainwater.

It may contain:

• Sewage
• Chemicals
• Fuel
• Animal waste
• Debris
• Microorganisms
• Electrical hazards

Avoid unnecessary contact.

Use appropriate protective equipment during cleanup and follow public-health guidance.

39. Watch for Carbon Monoxide After the Storm

Carbon monoxide poisoning frequently becomes a concern when people improvise cooking or power after outages.

Never use grills, camp stoves or fuel-burning generators inside living areas.

Keep generators outdoors and appropriately separated from doors, windows and vents.

Maintain working carbon-monoxide alarms.

Many of the same household systems used for hurricane preparation also help during severe winter weather, including backup lighting, water, food, communications and outage planning. Our Fall and Winter Storm Preparedness guide covers additional ways to protect your home when severe weather threatens.

40. Don’t Assume Tap Water Is Safe

After flooding or infrastructure damage, local authorities may issue:

• Boil-water advisories
• Do-not-drink notices
• Other water restrictions

Follow the specific instructions issued for your area.

CDC notes that after disasters, tap water may not be available or safe and recommends bottled, boiled or properly treated water when necessary.

41. Document Damage Before Major Cleanup

When safe and practical, photograph damage before discarding or repairing items.

Document:

• Exterior damage
• Interior damage
• Water levels
• Damaged belongings
• Vehicles
• Outbuildings

Contact your insurer and follow their instructions.

Don’t delay immediate actions necessary to protect life or prevent an ongoing hazard merely for photographs.

42. Prevent Additional Damage Safely

Temporary measures may help prevent additional rain or weather damage.

But don’t:

• Climb onto an unstable roof
• Enter unsafe structures
• Work near downed power lines
• Perform electrical work you’re not qualified to do
• Use unsafe generators
• Enter moving floodwater

A damaged house can be repaired.

Avoid turning property damage into a serious injury.

43. Build Hurricane Preparedness in Layers

A strong hurricane plan isn’t one product.

It’s a series of layers.

Layer 1 — Understand the Risk

Know wind, flood, surge and evacuation risks.

Layer 2 — Strengthen the Property

Maintain the roof, windows, doors, drainage and exterior.

Layer 3 — Build Household Supplies

Water, food, medical supplies, lighting, communications and backup power.

Layer 4 — Prepare to Evacuate

Routes, destinations, vehicles, pets, documents and go-bags.

Layer 5 — Prepare for Recovery

Insurance, documentation, safe water, food safety and post-storm hazards.

When one layer fails, another provides options.

Hurricane Home Preparedness Checklist

Use this quick checklist before hurricane season.

Home

• Roof inspected
• Gutters and drainage clear
• Window protection ready
• Exterior doors inspected
• Garage door evaluated
• Outdoor items can be secured
• Trees maintained
• Outbuildings checked

Flood

• Flood risk understood
• Important items stored appropriately
• Utility risks evaluated
• Flood insurance reviewed where appropriate

Power

• Flashlights ready
• Batteries charged
• Power banks charged
• Generator tested if owned
• Generator fuel plan established
• Carbon-monoxide alarms working

Water

• Emergency drinking water stored
• Backup water treatment available
• Pet water included

Food

• Shelf-stable food stored
• Manual can opener available
• Dietary needs covered
• Pet food available

Medical

• First-aid kit ready
• Prescriptions available
• Medical equipment planned for
• Medical information accessible

Communication

• Phones charged
• Weather/emergency radio available
• Emergency contacts written down
• Official alert sources known

Evacuation

• Evacuation zone known
• Routes known
• Destination identified
• Vehicle fueled
• Go-bags packed
• Documents ready
• Pet evacuation plan ready

Common Hurricane Preparedness Mistakes

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Stores empty.

Fuel lines grow.

Traffic increases.

Contractors become unavailable.

Do as much as possible before hurricane season.

Focusing Only on Wind

Flooding and storm surge can be deadly even when wind receives most of the attention.

Buying Gear Without a Plan

Equipment doesn’t tell you when to evacuate or where to go.

Planning comes first.

Assuming the Generator Solves Everything

Generators require:

• Fuel
• Maintenance
• Safe placement
• Proper electrical use

They are one part of the system.

Ignoring Medications and Special Needs

A household with medical dependencies may need a different evacuation timeline than the neighbors.

Refusing to Evacuate Because the House Is Reinforced

Structural improvements reduce risk.

They don’t eliminate hurricane risk.

Follow evacuation orders.

A Practical 30-Day Hurricane Readiness Plan

If hurricane season is approaching and you’re starting from scratch, don’t try to do everything in one weekend.

Week 1 — Understand the Risk

• Check evacuation information
• Review flood exposure
• Review insurance
• Photograph possessions
• Identify destinations

Week 2 — Inspect the House

• Roof
• Windows
• Doors
• Garage
• Gutters
• Trees
• Outbuildings

Identify projects requiring professionals.

Week 3 — Build Household Supplies

Add:

• Water
• Food
• Lighting
• Batteries
• Power banks
• Medical supplies
• Sanitation
• Pet supplies

Once your hurricane-specific preparations are in place, consider building beyond the immediate storm window. Our 90-Day Survival Checklist provides a practical framework for expanding your household supplies and resilience for longer disruptions involving food, water, power, medical needs and essential gear.

Week 4 — Practice the Plan

• Pack go-bags
• Test generator
• Test radio
• Charge equipment
• Review evacuation routes
• Confirm family communication plan
• Practice loading pets and essential supplies

Preparedness becomes much more useful once you’ve actually tested it.

Final Thoughts

The goal of hurricane home preparedness isn’t to create an indestructible house.

It’s to give your household more options.

Strengthen what you reasonably can.

Maintain the property.

Understand your flood and storm-surge exposure.

Store water and food.

Prepare for power failure.

Protect important documents.

Maintain reliable transportation.

Know your evacuation routes.

Prepare pets and medical needs.

And make the decision to leave when conditions or authorities require it.

A well-prepared home may reduce damage.

A well-prepared household can respond even when the house doesn’t.

Protect the property when you can—but always protect the people first.