A lot goes into preparing for a hurricane. There are kits, supplies, and tons of information to remember for when a hurricane hits and after the hurricane leaves. This article is intended to be a guide for everything you need to prepare for a hurricane.
Table of Contents
- Hurricane Preparedness Plan
- Supplies Checklists
- Bracing for a Hurricane
- Protecting your Home
- Protecting Your Pets
- Other Items & Resources
Download The Hurricane Preparedness PDF
Hurricane Preparedness Plan
First things first, you NEED to have a preparedness plan. This is a plan you talk with your family about to ensure everyone is on the same page. Hopefully, you will never have to use it, however, you MUST be prepared.
Take your time going through this section before hurricane seasons starts. The last thing you need is to be stressing before a hurricane comes.
Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Pick Two Meeting Places
These meeting places should be in the event of an emergency in case your home is damaged. The first place should be somewhere outside your home. The second place should be a safe zone outside your neighborhood, think of government shelters or another family’s home. While traveling, do not go through flooded areas or blocked roads.
Ensure all Contact Information is Up to Date
Ensuring all family and friends have all your contact information can help with rescue efforts if needed. Include contact information for your family and friends is saved to your devices and written down within your kits.
Evacuation
You should think ahead about evacuation plans. During emergencies, you should all just know where to go. Ask family and friends if you are able to stay with them in the event of an emergency.
Supplies Checklist
Store Now – Until Needed
- First Aid Kit
- band-aids
- antiseptic
- tape
- compressors
- pain reliever medication
- important numbers
- Flashlights & Batteries
- Battery Powered Radio & Batteries
- Manual Can Opener
- Fire Extinguisher
- Tire Plugs
- Whistle
- Bug Repellant
- Plastic Tarp, Tools, and Nails
- Water Purification Kit
- Trash Bags
- Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Baby Items
- Rope
- Knife
- Drinking Water for 2 weeks
- Drinking Containers
- Generator – Be sure to test it
- Emergency Cash
- Matches
- Grills or Burners
Purchase Before Hurricane Season
- Updated Medicines
- Food for Everyone for 2 weeks
- Ensure items do not need refrigeration
- Protein Bars, Canned Goods, and Peanut Butter
- Gas Containers
- Gas
- Baby Items
- Ice
Evacuation Checklist
- Pillows, Blankets, Sleeping Bags, Air Mattresses
- Clothing
- Eyewear
- Bath Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap
- Entertainment: books, cards, games
- Important Papers: licensing, birth certificates, social security cards
- Chargers for cell phones
- Food & Water
- Cash
- All Other Items in other items
Bracing for a Hurricane
As the storm approaches these are items you should complete to brace for the hurricane. Please always listen to government announcements through radio and TV.
- Ensure all items above are completed
- Clean Bathtubs – In case you need to fill with water
- Turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings
- Refill prescriptions
- Fill Gas Tanks & Tire Air Pressure
- If you have boat items or sheds, this is the time to ensure they are safe
Use NOAA and weather.gov to stay up to date on hurricanes. Hurricanes are unpredictable and can change.
Furthermore, you should use Ready.Gov to get hour by hour bracing instructions.
Protecting Your Home
Use this checklist to go through all your home items and protect your shelter.
- Move all loose plants inside.
- Ensure all roof repairs are completed. Seal and protect as need.
- Install all shutters. Use 3/4in plywood and tapcons if you do not have shutters.
- Fill sandbags and place them around home.
- Use vehicles as barriers to protect your home.
- Seal around windows using caulk.
- Make sure all roof maintenance is completed.
- Use this guide to prevent water intrusion.
- Think about upgrading parts of your home for insurance. Use this guide for upgrades.
A Word About Generators
Never connect a portable generator to your electrical panel. Be sure to check your electrician or generator company about servicing and operation.
You may need to look into a generator transfer switches in order to prevent electrical back-feed to your power company. Back-feeding electric to your electrical company can cause fires.
Protecting Your Pets
Do not leave your pets or release them. You are responsible for planning for all pets and you should not use pets as an excuse not to evacuate if you need to.
- Make prior arrangements on pet movement if needed.
- Ensure proper licensing and tags are in place.
- Ensure contact information is correct.
- Find and store vaccinations paperwork.
- Purchase Cages.
- Ensure you have 2 weeks of food.
- Ensure you have water for your pets.
- Consider Microchipping.
- Refill medications.
- All pet paperwork.
- Blankets and toys.
- Care instructions if needed.
Other Items & Resources
Talk with your insurance company about your coverage.
Want to know what to do hour by hour? Use Ready.Gov.
Tracking Hurricane Resources: NOAA & Weather.Gov
