Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Have supplies for at least 72 hours (3 days) for each person in your household:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day — Water storage containers
• Non-perishable food for 3+ days
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio — Emergency weather radio
• Flashlights and extra batteries — LED flashlights
• First-aid kit
• 7-day supply of prescription medications
• Portable phone charger / power bank
• Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, bank accounts)
• Cash in small bills (ATMs may be offline)
• Pet supplies if applicable

Power outages after major hurricanes can last days to weeks. A portable generator can power critical appliances. Key rules:

• NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows — carbon monoxide kills
• Store fuel safely with a fuel stabilizer
• Have a gas can ready — Gas can
• Portable generator

• Install hurricane shutters or board windows with 5/8" plywood
• Reinforce garage doors — they are the most vulnerable entry point
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash cans
• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris
• Know how to turn off utilities (gas, water, electricity)
• Document your belongings for insurance — photograph/video every room

• Know your evacuation zone — check your county emergency management website
• Plan two evacuation routes from your home
• Identify a meeting place and out-of-state contact
• If ordered to evacuate: leave immediately — do not wait
• Fill your gas tank before the storm season or at the first watch/warning
• Know where pet-friendly shelters are

Never ignore an evacuation order. Storm surge — not wind — is the leading cause of hurricane deaths.

• Stay indoors in an interior room away from windows
• Monitor conditions via NOAA weather radio or official local sources
• Do not go outside during the eye — the storm will resume
• Stay off roads — local emergency management will tell you when it's safe

For official shelter-in-place and evacuation guidance, follow your local emergency management. Ready.gov

• Wait for official all-clear before returning home
• Watch for downed power lines and flood water — never drive through flooded roads
• Document all damage with photos and video before cleanup
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible
• Use flashlights not candles indoors to prevent fire
• Boil water until officials confirm supply is safe