Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Whether you're a first-time coastal resident or a veteran of multiple storms, this is everything you need to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
Before Hurricane Season: Do This Now
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before there's a storm on the map. Once a hurricane is forecast for your area, stores sell out, roads clog, and contractors are booked solid. Do these things in April or May, not in the 48 hours before landfall.
Know Your Risk
Find your evacuation zone. Every coastal county in hurricane-prone states assigns evacuation zones (typically Zone A, B, C). These are based on storm surge risk, not wind. Know your zone. Your county emergency management website has a lookup tool — use it.
Know your flood risk. Check FEMA's flood map at floodsmart.gov. If you're in a flood zone, you need flood insurance. Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. This is the single most common coverage gap that devastates families after hurricanes.
Identify your shelter. Know where your nearest hurricane shelter is. If you have pets, identify pet-friendly shelters in advance. Many Red Cross shelters do not accept animals.
Review your insurance. Read your policy. Know your hurricane deductible (it's separate from your regular deductible in most coastal states). Understand what's covered and what isn't. Document your home's contents with a video walkthrough stored in the cloud.
Build Your Hurricane Kit
Your hurricane kit should sustain your household for a minimum of 72 hours without electricity, running water, or access to stores. For major storms, plan for 7 to 14 days.
Water: One gallon per person per day for at least 7 days. A family of four needs a minimum of 28 gallons. This is non-negotiable — municipal water systems fail during hurricanes.
Food: Non-perishable items that don't require cooking or refrigeration. Canned goods (with a manual can opener), peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit, protein bars, and baby food or formula if needed.
Medications: At least a 14-day supply of all prescription medications. Keep a written list of medication names, dosages, and prescribing doctors.
First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, any personal medical supplies (insulin, EpiPens, inhalers), and a first aid manual.
Power: Flashlights (not candles — fire risk is extreme after hurricanes), extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio (NOAA Weather Radio), and portable phone chargers or a solar charger.
Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account information, and medical records in a waterproof container. Store digital copies in cloud storage as well.
Cash: ATMs and card readers don't work without power. Keep at least $200–500 in small bills.
Tools and supplies: Duct tape, plastic sheeting, rope, work gloves, a wrench (to turn off utilities), garbage bags, and a multi-tool or basic toolkit.
Fuel: Keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season. Fill up completely when a storm enters the Gulf or approaches the Atlantic coast. Gas stations run out quickly once evacuation orders are issued.
Prepare Your Home
Hurricane shutters or plywood. If you have hurricane shutters, test them before season. If you're using plywood, pre-cut and label panels for each window now. Plywood should be at least 5/8-inch thick exterior-grade.
Garage doors. Garage doors are one of the most common failure points in hurricanes. If your garage door isn't wind-rated, invest in a bracing kit.
Yard maintenance. Trim dead branches and remove any dead trees near your home. In a hurricane, every loose object becomes a missile. Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and decorative items.
Generator. If you have a generator, test it now. Stock fuel and extension cords. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed garage — carbon monoxide poisoning kills people after every major hurricane.
When a Storm Is Approaching: 72-Hour Countdown
72 Hours Out
Monitor the forecast. Begin filling prescriptions. Start bringing outdoor items inside. Charge all devices. Review your evacuation route and have a backup route planned.
48 Hours Out
Fill your gas tank. Withdraw cash. Finalize your hurricane kit. If you're in a mandatory evacuation zone, begin making arrangements to leave. Fill bathtubs and large containers with water (for flushing toilets if water service is lost).
24 Hours Out
If you haven't evacuated and are sheltering in place, install shutters or plywood. Move valuables to the highest floor. Charge everything one final time. Put refrigerators and freezers on the coldest setting (a full freezer can keep food safe for up to 48 hours without power if you keep the door closed).
During the Storm
Stay indoors. Keep away from windows. An interior room on the lowest floor is the safest location. If you're in a multi-story home, stay on the lowest level during the worst of the storm to avoid wind exposure, but move to the highest level if storm surge flooding is a threat.
Do not go outside during the eye. The eye of a hurricane brings a temporary calm, sometimes with clear skies. The back side of the eyewall — with the strongest winds — follows immediately. People who go outside during the eye have been killed when the winds return without warning.
Monitor weather radio. Keep your NOAA Weather Radio on for the latest warnings and updates. Cell service may fail.
After the Storm
Do not return home until authorities clear the area. Downed power lines, structural damage, contaminated water, and gas leaks create life-threatening hazards.
Document everything. Before touching or moving anything, photograph and video all damage for your insurance claim.
Avoid floodwater. Standing water after a hurricane is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, debris, and potentially downed electrical lines. Do not walk or drive through it.
Check on neighbors. Especially elderly, disabled, or isolated individuals who may need help.
Beware of scams. Disaster fraud surges after hurricanes. Never pay a contractor in full upfront. Verify licenses. Be skeptical of door-to-door offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I evacuate for a hurricane?
Evacuate whenever local authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order for your zone. If you're in a mobile home, evacuate for any hurricane regardless of category. If you're in a flood-prone area, evacuate for any storm with significant surge or rainfall forecasts.
Does homeowner's insurance cover hurricane damage?
Standard homeowner's policies typically cover wind damage but not flood damage. Flood insurance must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. There is usually a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect — buy it now, not when a storm is approaching.
How long should I prepare to be without power?
Plan for a minimum of 72 hours, but major hurricanes have caused power outages lasting weeks to months. After Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, some areas were without power for nearly a year.
What should I do if I can't afford to evacuate?
Contact your county emergency management office. Many communities offer free transportation to shelters, and shelters provide food, water, and basic medical care at no cost. Do not stay in a surge zone because of cost — it can cost your life.