COASTAL PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
Hurricane preparedness checklist
Prepare before hurricane season, act early when a storm threatens, evacuate safely when directed, and avoid preventable hazards after landfall.
STEP 1
Before hurricane season
Complete these steps before a storm is on the forecast map.
- ✓Learn whether your home is in an evacuation or storm-surge zone.
- ✓Choose an inland destination and at least two evacuation routes.
- ✓Create a household communication plan with an out-of-area contact.
- ✓Review insurance coverage and photograph important property.
- ✓Inspect shutters, roof drainage, trees, and outdoor items.
- ✓Plan for prescriptions, medical equipment, accessibility needs, children, seniors, and pets.
STEP 2
Build your household supply baseline
Start with at least three days of essential supplies, then increase based on local risk and household needs.
- ✓Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
- ✓Keep shelf-stable food that does not require refrigeration or extensive cooking.
- ✓Maintain prescription medications, first-aid supplies, hygiene items, and sanitation supplies.
- ✓Keep flashlights, spare batteries, charged power banks, and a battery or hand-crank weather radio.
- ✓Protect identification, insurance records, contact information, and medical information in waterproof storage.
- ✓Include cash, pet supplies, infant supplies, and items needed for disabilities or access and functional needs.
STEP 3
When a hurricane threatens
Do not wait for hurricane-force winds. Complete preparations before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.
- ✓Follow the National Hurricane Center, your local National Weather Service office, and local emergency management.
- ✓Refill prescriptions, fuel vehicles, charge devices, and test backup power equipment.
- ✓Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans, and loose equipment.
- ✓Install shutters or approved window protection and clear gutters and drains.
- ✓Set refrigerators and freezers colder and freeze containers of water if time allows.
- ✓Confirm your evacuation decision point and leave immediately when local officials direct you to evacuate.
STEP 4
Evacuation checklist
Base evacuation decisions on official instructions and local hazards, especially storm surge and flooding.
- ✓Take identification, medications, important documents, phones, chargers, water, food, clothing, and personal protective items.
- ✓Bring supplies and records for pets, including carriers, leashes, food, water, and vaccination information.
- ✓Tell your out-of-area contact where you are going and which route you plan to use.
- ✓Avoid shortcuts through low-lying roads and never drive through floodwater.
- ✓Leave early enough to complete travel before dangerous winds begin.
- ✓Do not return until local authorities say the area is safe.
STEP 5
If you shelter at home
Shelter at home only when officials have not ordered evacuation and the structure is suitable for the expected hazards.
- ✓Stay in an interior room away from windows and exterior doors.
- ✓Keep weather alerts active and monitor official updates throughout the storm.
- ✓Use flashlights instead of candles when power is out.
- ✓Keep generators outdoors, far from doors, windows, and vents.
- ✓Do not go outside during a temporary lull; dangerous winds can return quickly.
- ✓Be prepared to move to a higher level if flooding develops, but avoid enclosed attics without roof access.
STEP 6
After the storm
Many serious hazards remain after the wind and rain have passed.
- ✓Continue monitoring official instructions and return home only when authorized.
- ✓Avoid floodwater, washed-out roads, downed power lines, unstable structures, and damaged trees.
- ✓Never run a generator inside a home, garage, shed, or enclosed area.
- ✓Photograph damage before cleanup and contact your insurer when conditions are safe.
- ✓Discard food exposed to unsafe temperatures or contaminated water.
- ✓Check on neighbors when it is safe, especially older adults and people with medical or accessibility needs.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Use authoritative sources during an active storm
National Hurricane Center
Forecast tracks, advisories, watches, warnings, and storm-surge products.
National Weather Service
Hurricane safety guidance, local warnings, and post-storm hazards.
Ready.gov Hurricanes
Federal planning, evacuation, supply, and recovery guidance.
American Red Cross
Hurricane safety checklists and multilingual preparedness resources.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Hurricane preparedness FAQ
How much water should I store for a hurricane?
A common minimum baseline is one gallon per person per day for at least three days. Store more for hot weather, medical needs, pets, sanitation, or extended outages.
When should I evacuate for a hurricane?
Follow local evacuation orders and leave early enough to complete travel before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.
What is the greatest coastal hurricane danger?
Storm surge and large waves are among the greatest threats along the coast. Heavy rainfall and inland flooding can also be deadly far from the shoreline.
Can I use a generator in my garage if the door is open?
No. Portable generators must remain outdoors and well away from doors, windows, and vents because carbon monoxide can enter the home.
Turn the checklist into a household baseline
Return to the dashboard to record household size, stored water, meals, safety equipment, and communication supplies.
Open readiness dashboard