Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: What to Do Before the Storm

Hurricanes can bring strong winds, flooding, power outages, road closures, and evacuation orders. This printable hurricane preparedness checklist helps your household prepare before the storm arrives.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters

Hurricanes can disrupt power, water, transportation, communication, food access, medical care, and normal household routines. The best time to prepare is before a storm is close enough to create panic buying or evacuation traffic.

A good hurricane plan should cover both sheltering in place and evacuating if local officials tell you to leave.

Beginner goal: Prepare enough supplies for at least 72 hours, then build toward a longer household buffer as space and budget allow.

1. Build a Hurricane Emergency Kit

Your hurricane kit should include basic supplies for water, food, first aid, lighting, communication, documents, sanitation, and power outages.

Emergency water
Emergency food
First aid kit
Flashlight and headlamp
Emergency lantern
Battery bank
NOAA emergency radio
Emergency blanket
Important document copies
Emergency cash

Emergency Backpack

A dedicated backpack keeps critical hurricane supplies together if you need to evacuate quickly.

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First Aid Kit

Useful for treating minor injuries during storm preparation, cleanup, or evacuation.

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2. Store Water Before the Storm

Storms can affect water systems, pumps, treatment facilities, and local infrastructure. Store water before a hurricane warning creates last-minute demand.

Store drinking water for each household member.
Add extra water for pets.
Fill containers before the storm if safe.
Keep backup filtration available.
Store water away from heat and chemicals.

Stackable Water Container

Helpful for storing larger amounts of emergency water at home.

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Collapsible Water Container

Useful for filling before a storm and storing flat when not in use.

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Portable Water Filter

A backup option if stored water becomes limited or questionable.

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3. Store Shelf-Stable Food

Hurricanes can close roads and stores. Keep food that requires little or no cooking, especially if power may be unavailable.

Canned foods
Protein bars
Peanut butter
Crackers
Emergency food kit
Manual can opener
Pet food if needed

Emergency Food Kit

A long-shelf-life food option for storm season and evacuation readiness.

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Manual Can Opener

Essential if your hurricane food plan includes canned goods.

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4. Prepare for Power Outages

Power outages are common during hurricanes. Keep lighting and backup charging supplies ready before the storm arrives.

Flashlight

Keep flashlights in bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, and emergency kits.

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Headlamp

Useful for hands-free lighting during cleanup, repairs, and evacuation preparation.

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Emergency Lantern

Provides room lighting during extended outages.

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Battery Bank

Helps keep phones available for alerts, maps, calls, and updates.

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5. Stay Informed

Internet and cell service can become unreliable during storms. Keep at least one backup way to receive emergency alerts.

NOAA emergency radio
Local emergency alerts
Evacuation updates
Weather updates
Printed emergency contacts

NOAA Emergency Radio

Useful for receiving emergency updates when internet or cell service is limited.

View Emergency Radio

6. Protect Important Documents

Flooding, roof leaks, and evacuation can put important paperwork at risk. Keep copies protected and easy to grab.

ID copies
Insurance documents
Emergency contacts
Medical information
Pet records
Emergency cash in small bills

Waterproof Document Pouch

Protects copies of IDs, insurance papers, emergency contacts, and cash from moisture.

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Fire-Resistant Document Bag

A useful home-storage option for important records and backup copies.

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7. Prepare Your Home

Before a storm, reduce outdoor hazards and protect your home as much as possible. Follow local guidance for your area and property type.

Bring loose outdoor items inside.
Secure trash cans, patio furniture, and decorations.
Check windows and doors.
Clear gutters if safe and appropriate.
Move valuables away from flood-prone areas.
Know where utility shutoffs are located.
Photograph important property before the storm.

8. Make an Evacuation Plan

Do not wait until evacuation traffic builds to decide where you will go. Your plan should include routes, destinations, pets, documents, and fuel.

Primary evacuation route
Backup evacuation route
Out-of-area destination
Pet-friendly hotel or shelter options
Vehicle fuel plan
Emergency contacts
Grab-and-go supplies

Car Emergency Kit

Helpful for evacuations, roadside delays, bad weather, and unexpected vehicle problems.

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9. Prepare for Cleanup and Sanitation

After a hurricane, cleanup may involve debris, spoiled food, leaks, mud, broken glass, or contaminated materials. Keep basic cleanup supplies ready.

Heavy-Duty Trash Bags

Useful for cleanup, sanitation, emergency storage, and separating damaged items.

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Work Gloves

Protects hands during cleanup, moving debris, and handling rough materials.

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N95 Masks

Useful for dust, cleanup, debris, and certain air-quality problems after storms.

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Hand Soap Multipack

A basic hygiene item worth keeping ahead of storms and outages.

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10. What to Do Before the Storm Arrives

Charge phones and battery banks.
Fill water containers.
Check flashlights, lanterns, and batteries.
Review evacuation routes.
Bring loose outdoor items inside.
Move important documents into a waterproof pouch.
Check emergency food and pet supplies.
Refuel vehicles if needed.
Follow local emergency instructions.