How to Prepare Before, During, and After a Hurricane

Create an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
Make a Family Plan: Establish evacuation routes and safe meeting spots. Ensure every family member knows the plan and how to contact each other during an emergency.
Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates from reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center. Sign up for local alerts.
Secure Your Home: Install storm shutters or board up windows. Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles. Trim trees and shrubs to minimize debris.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Fill your gas tank, check oil and tires, and have an emergency kit in your car.

Stay Indoors: Keep away from windows and doors. Stay in an interior room on the lowest level of your home.
Use Battery-Powered Devices: Avoid using electrical appliances. Use battery-powered radios to stay updated.
Listen to Authorities: Follow instructions from local authorities. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
Avoid Flooded Areas: Don’t attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

Stay Informed: Continue listening to authorities for information and updates.
Return Home Safely: Avoid floodwaters, which may be contaminated. Only return home when authorities say it’s safe.
Document Damage: Take photos and notes of any damage to your property for insurance claims.
Clean Up Safely: Wear protective clothing and be cautious of hazards such as downed power lines and sharp debris.
Seek Assistance: Contact local agencies for help with recovery and rebuilding.

Emergency Kit Checklist

Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and energy bars. Manual can opener.
Medications: Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions, over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, and anti-diarrhea medications. Medical supplies such as hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, and contact lenses.
First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, sterile gloves, scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer.
Tools and Supplies: Flashlights and extra batteries, multi-tool or knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and zip ties, matches or a lighter in a waterproof container, whistle to signal for help.
Personal Hygiene Items: Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and feminine supplies.
Clothing and Bedding: Complete change of clothes, including long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Blankets or sleeping bags.
Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records. Waterproof container for these documents.
Electronics: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
Money: Cash, as ATMs may not be working.
Miscellaneous: Local maps, extra set of car and house keys, books, games, and puzzles for children.

Know your evacuation zones and routes. Local authorities often provide maps and guidance.
Plan to evacuate to locations that are outside of the evacuation zones and are safe from flooding and storm surge.

Discuss with your family and create a clear plan on where to go and what to take during an evacuation.
Ensure all family members know the evacuation routes and have contact information for everyone.
Choose multiple destinations in different directions to give flexibility depending on the storm's path.

Keep your vehicle fueled and in good repair. Have emergency supplies in your car including water, food, first aid kit, and essential tools.
Ensure you have a full tank of gas before the storm hits as gas stations may be closed or out of fuel.

Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the storm and evacuation orders.
Sign up for local alerts and notifications to stay informed about evacuation orders and other emergency information.

Follow the instructions of local authorities and use designated evacuation routes.
Leave as early as possible to avoid traffic, road closures, and severe weather.
Take your emergency kit with you and ensure all family members and pets are accounted for.