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What a Hurricane Preparation Checklist Should Include

A hurricane preparation checklist is an organized list of tasks and items to gather before hurricane season arrives. Rather than scrambling to remember what you need when a storm approaches, a checklist helps you think through preparations systematically. The checklist covers several broad categories: physical supplies, home safety measures, financial planning, medical needs, pet care, and important documents.

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According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricanes can impact areas hundreds of miles inland, meaning that even people who don't live on the coast may need to prepare. The checklist approach works because it breaks down a large, potentially overwhelming task into smaller, manageable steps. Each item on the list represents something specific you can do to increase your readiness.

A typical checklist might include items like storing drinking water (the standard recommendation is one gallon per person per day for at least three days), gathering flashlights and batteries, securing loose outdoor items, reviewing your home's roof condition, and creating a family communication plan. Some items require action weeks in advance—like scheduling home repairs—while others, like buying supplies, can be done over time as your budget allows.

The most useful checklists are organized by category or by timeframe. For example, some separate "Do This Before Hurricane Season" from "Do This When a Storm Is Approaching." Others organize by room in your home or by family member. Finding a checklist format that makes sense to you personally increases the likelihood you'll actually use it.

Practical Takeaway: Locate and print or save a hurricane preparation checklist before June, when Atlantic hurricane season officially begins. Review it with household members to understand which tasks apply to your specific situation and living arrangement.

Essential Supplies Every Household Should Stock

Water is the single most critical supply for hurricane preparation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends storing one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. For a family of four, this means storing a minimum of 12 gallons. Many people choose to store more—five to seven days' worth is common in areas with frequent hurricanes. Store water in food-grade containers, rotate it every six months, and keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

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Non-perishable food is equally important because refrigeration may not be available after a hurricane. Good choices include canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and powdered milk. Choose foods your family actually eats and that require no cooking or minimal preparation. Don't forget a manual can opener if your family uses canned goods. Aim for enough food to last at least three days, though a week's worth is better.

A battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight and extra batteries should be in every home. The average hurricane can cause power outages lasting anywhere from hours to weeks. Include at least one flashlight per household member, plus extras for common areas. Avoid relying solely on candles, as they pose fire risks during evacuations or when people are stressed and distracted. Battery-powered radios allow you to receive emergency updates and weather information.

A first aid kit with basic supplies—bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, and any prescription medications for at least seven days—helps address minor injuries without leaving your home. Include any items needed for chronic conditions like inhalers, insulin, blood pressure medications, or EpiPens. A list of dosages and pharmacy contact information should be stored with medications.

Additional supplies worth considering include household bleach or water purification tablets, toilet paper and paper towels, garbage bags, personal hygiene items, baby supplies if applicable, and a phone charger that doesn't require electricity (like a solar or hand-crank model). Some people also stock plywood and supplies for securing windows, though this depends on your home's construction and location.

Practical Takeaway: Buy a few items from your supply list each week starting in May. This spreads the cost over time and ensures you have supplies before stores run low as a storm approaches. Store everything in a designated, easily accessible location that all household members know about.

Protecting Your Home Before Hurricane Season Arrives

Home maintenance and structural improvements represent important aspects of hurricane preparation. These tasks require more time and money than simply gathering supplies, which is why a checklist emphasizes doing them early in the season or even the year before. Start by having your roof inspected by a professional. Roofs are among the first parts of a home to sustain wind damage during hurricanes, and repairs can be costly. A roofer can identify weak spots, missing or damaged shingles, and areas where water might enter during heavy rainfall.

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Windows and doors are vulnerability points during hurricanes. Wind-driven rain can enter through damaged seals, and broken glass creates hazards. Check the condition of window frames and door frames, looking for cracks, gaps, or deterioration. Weather stripping can seal small gaps. For homes in high-risk hurricane areas, hurricane-resistant windows and impact-resistant doors provide significant protection, though they represent a substantial investment. Some homeowners install hurricane shutters—panels that cover windows during storms—which can be permanent installations or removable systems stored in the garage.

Outdoor items become projectiles during high winds. Before hurricane season, secure outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans, and flowerpots by bringing them inside, placing them in a garage, or securing them to the ground with straps or fasteners. Trim tree branches that hang over your house or power lines. Remove dead trees or branches that could fall during storms. This task is particularly important because falling debris causes significant damage and injury during hurricanes.

Your gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from your foundation. Clogged or damaged gutters allow water to pool near your home's base, potentially causing flooding in basements or crawl spaces. Clean gutters in the spring and fall, and repair any damage. Ensure downspouts extend at least four to six feet from your home's foundation.

Consider the elevation of your home relative to flood risk in your area. If you live in a flood-prone zone, you might investigate flood vents, sump pumps, or other water management systems. Some areas require flood insurance for homes in designated flood zones, so understanding your specific risk helps with both preparation and financial planning.

Practical Takeaway: Schedule a professional roof inspection by April. Create a list of needed repairs and prioritize them by cost and impact on safety. Even completing a few critical repairs—like fixing damaged roof shingles or securing loose outdoor items—meaningfully reduces risk.

Creating a Family Communication and Evacuation Plan

During and after hurricanes, regular communication systems often fail. Cell towers go down, landlines are damaged, and internet service becomes unavailable. A family communication plan ensures that members separated during a hurricane can reconnect and share information about safety and location. The plan should include an out-of-state contact person—someone living far away from the hurricane zone whom family members can call or text to say they're safe. Even when local networks fail, long-distance calls sometimes work.

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The plan should include multiple ways to share information. Beyond a designated out-of-state contact, consider using social media or email to post messages, though internet access may be limited. Family members should memorize important phone numbers rather than relying solely on phone contacts, since charging phones and accessing contacts becomes difficult without power. The plan should include meeting locations—a primary location near home if possible, and alternate locations in case your neighborhood is damaged or inaccessible.

An evacuation plan specifies the routes your family would take if ordered to leave your area. Hurricanes sometimes necessitate evacuation, particularly for people living in mobile homes, near the coast, in flood zones, or in older buildings not designed to withstand major winds. Know which roads lead out of your area and have a map. Understand which direction you'd travel—generally northward or inland away from the coast. If you have pets, know ahead of time which shelters or hotels accept animals, as many don't.

For people with disabilities, mobility challenges, or medical conditions, evacuation planning is more complex. Work with your healthcare provider and local emergency management to understand what resources may be available. Register with local emergency response programs if you require assistance. If you depend on power for medical equipment, discuss backup plans with your provider and ensure you have battery backups or a generator.

Practice your plan annually. Hold a family meeting before hurricane season to review meeting locations, contact procedures, and evacuation routes. Children benefit from understanding the