HOW TO 

PREPARE 

FOR A 

HURRICANE
| 1

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 How to Prepare for 

a Hurricane

3 Now/Prepare

3 Stay Informed: Emergency 

Notifications

4 Plan for Evacuation

4 Family Communication Plan

5 Emergency Supplies

6 Protect Your Property

7 During/Survive

7 Evacuation Notices

7 Areas Without an 

Evacuation Notice

8 After/Be Safe

8 Stay Safe and Healthy 

Post-disaster

9 Five Steps for 

Post-hurricane Clean-up

9 Additional Information

10 Myths/Facts

11 Hurricane Preparedness 

Checklist

11 Helplines

Introduction

A hurricane can cause widespread devastation during and after 

it occurs. This guide from FEMA is designed to help you properly 

prepare for a hurricane and know how to protect yourself during 

and after one.

Planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety and 

resiliency in the wake of a hurricane. The ability to quickly recover 

following a hurricane requires a focus on preparedness, advance 

planning, and knowing what to do in the event of a hurricane.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare
| 2

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. 

Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, 

rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes, 

buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill 

people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries 

primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from 

the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.” 

Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.

Now/Prepare

Sign up for local alerts and 

warnings. Monitor local news and 

weather reports. 

Prepare to evacuate by testing your 

emergency communication plan(s), 

learning evacuation routes, having a 

place to stay, and packing a “go bag.” 

Stock emergency supplies.

Protect your property by installing 

sewer backflow valves, anchoring 

fuel tanks, reviewing insurance 

policies, and cataloging belongings.

Collect and safeguard critical 

financial, medical, educational, and 

legal documents and records.

During/Survive

Follow guidance from local 

authorities. 

If advised to evacuate, grab your 

“go bag” and leave immediately.

For protection from high winds,

stay away from windows and seek 

shelter on the lowest level in an 

interior room.

Move to higher ground if there 

is flooding or a flood warning.

Turn Around Don’t Drown.®

Never walk or drive on flooded 

roads or through water.

Call 9-1-1 if you are in lifethreatening danger.

After/Be Safe

Return to the area only after 

authorities say it is safe to do so. 

Do not enter damaged buildings 

until they are inspected by qualified 

professionals.

Never walk or drive on flooded 

roads or through floodwaters. 

Look out for downed or unstable 

trees, poles, and power lines.

Do not remove heavy debris by 

yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, 

thick-soled shoes to protect your 

hands and feet.

Do not drink tap water unless 

authorities say it is safe.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare
Now/Prepare for a Hurricane

STAY INFORMED: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

You can receive alerts and 

warnings directly from the National 

Weather Service for all hazards 

with a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). 

Some radio receivers are designed 

to work with external notification 

devices for people who are deaf 

or hard of hearing. For more 

information on NWR receivers, visit 

nws.noaa.gov/nwr/info/nwrrcvr.html.

Sign up for emergency alerts and 

notifications that your community 

may offer. Download Be Smart. 

Know Your Alerts and Warnings

for a summary of notifications at 

ready.gov/prepare.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit | 3

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

The National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA), issues alerts when weather conditions make hurricanes more likely. Know the terms used to 

describe changing hurricane conditions and be prepared to take appropriate action.

ADVISORY

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Advisory—The NWS issues an Advisory when it 

expects conditions to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. 

If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening. 

WATCH

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch—The NWS issues a Watch when a tropical storm 

or hurricane is possible within 48 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, 

local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check 

your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power.

WARNING

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning—The NWS issues a Warning when it expects 

a tropical storm or hurricane within 36 hours. During a Warning, complete your 

storm preparations, and immediately leave the threatened area if directed to do so 

by local officials.

ready.gov/prepare
PLAN FOR EVACUATION

If the danger is significant, state or local government officials 

may issue an evacuation notice. You can do the following to 

be better prepared. 

Learn your community’s evacuation 

plan and identify several posted 

routes to leave the area. 

• Evacuation routes: Check with 

your state’s Department of 

Transportation or Office of 

Emergency Management website 

to find routes near you. 

• Emergency shelter location:

To find a shelter near you, 

download the FEMA app at 

fema.gov/mobile-app.

Once you determine your evacuation 

route and shelter location, write 

them down on your Hurricane 

Preparedness Checklist, which is 

located at the end of this guide.

Make a plan for your pet. 

To learn more, go to 

ready.gov/animals.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE READY

• Plan for your entire household

including children, people with 

disabilities and access and 

functional needs, and pets.

• Keep your gas tank at least 

half-full at all times. Maintain 

basic emergency supplies (e.g., 

snacks, bottled water, first aid kit, 

flashlight, flares, jumper cables and 

other tools, a wool blanket, and a 

change of clothes) in your vehicle.

• Pick an out-of-state contact 

everyone can call to check-in and 

report their status.

• Know where you will meet up

if you are separated and where 

you will stay.

• Pack a “go bag” including items 

you need to take with you if you 

evacuate. A “go bag” should be 

easy to carry and kept in a place 

where you can grab it quickly.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit | 4

Now/Prepare for a Hurricane

CREATE YOUR 

FAMILY EMERGENCY 

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Your family may not be 

together when a hurricane 

occurs, so it is important to 

know how to contact one 

another and how to get 

back together. 

Keep important numbers written 

down in your wallet in case you 

cannot access the contact list in 

your phone. Landline and cellular 

phone systems are often 

overwhelmed following a disaster, 

so you may need to use text 

messages and social media. 

Designate an out-of-town contact 

who can help your household 

reconnect. Be sure to practice your 

plan with your family. Get more 

information by downloading 

Be Smart Create Your Family 

Emergency Communication Plan

or visit ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Write down any important phone 

numbers on your Hurricane 

Preparedness Checklist so you 

can access them easily.

ready.gov/prepare
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

You can build your supplies over time by adding a few items each week or 

month. Gather in advance the necessary supplies and items you will need to 

stay safe after the hurricane passes and as you start to recover. Stock food 

items that do not need refrigeration and will last. Regularly replace items like 

water, food, medications, and batteries that go bad over time.

For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit ready.gov/prepare and then 

check them off your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist once you add them 

to your emergency kit.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

Make sure you have everything you’ll 

need to get in touch with your family 

either through cellular phones or email. 

MEDICAL NEEDS

Be equipped to tend to any current or 

unexpected medical conditions your 

family may have. 

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS

Place any important documents in a 

waterproof container to help keep 

them dry and easily accessible.

TOOLS AND SAFETY ITEMS

Small items like matches, flashlights, 

a multi-purpose tool, and a whistle 

can make a huge difference for your 

family while weathering the storm.

FOOD/SUPPLIES

Have at least a three-day supply of 

non-perishable food and water for your 

family. Remember to pack anything 

specific to your family’s needs.

HYGIENE AND SANITATION

Practicing good hygiene can stop the 

spread of bacteria and infectious disease. 

PROTECTIVE GEAR

Protect yourself by packing warm 

clothes and blankets to prevent 

hypothermia. Don’t forget protective 

footwear and gloves too.

COMFORT & PRICELESS ITEMS

You may be away from your home for an 

extended period and your property may 

be damaged. Grab any items that are 

irreplaceable or may provide comfort to 

your family, especially your children.

Ask yourself, “What would I need for 

myself and my family if a hurricane 

struck?” Add any of these specific items 

to your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist. 

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 5

Now/Prepare for a Hurricane
TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY 

AGAINST WIND AND WATER DAMAGE

Planning and preparing before a hurricane strikes can help you manage the impact of high winds and 

floodwaters. Take the steps outlined below to keep you and your family safe while protecting your home 

and property. If you are a renter, talk with your landlord or property manager about the steps you can take 

together to protect yourself, your family, your home, and your property.

WIND

High winds: The best way to reduce the risk of damage to a structure from 

hurricane winds is to reinforce or strengthen the building including doors, 

windows, walls, and roofs. The best way to protect yourself is to consider 

either constructing a safe room that meets FEMA criteria or a storm shelter 

that meets ICC 500 criteria.

Wind-borne debris: Bring loose, lightweight objects (e.g., patio furniture, 

garbage cans, and bicycles) inside; anchor objects that would be unsafe to 

bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks); and trim or remove trees 

close enough to fall on buildings.

FLOOD

There are steps that you or your 

property owner can take now to 

make your home or business more 

flood resistant. Some improvements 

are simple and inexpensive; others 

require more of an investment. As 

your budget allows, take these steps 

to protect your property from flood 

damage and manage your risks.

• Keep gutters and drains free 

of debris.

• Install a water alarm and sump 

pumps with battery backup.

• Install “check valves” in sewer 

lines to prevent floodwater from 

backing up into your drains.

• Stockpile emergency protective 

materials such as plywood, plastic 

sheeting, and sandbags.

• Elevate the heating system 

(furnace), water heater, and electric 

panel if susceptible to flooding.

• Waterproof the basement.

• In areas with repetitive flooding, 

consider elevating the building.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit 

FLOOD INSURANCE

Most property insurance policies do not cover flood losses, so you will need to purchase separate flood insurance 

if your property is at risk for flooding. Talk to your insurance agent about buying flood insurance. Flood insurance 

is available for homeowners, renters, and business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program in 

participating communities. Keep in mind that a policy purchased today will take 30 days to go into effect, so act now!

Learn how to financially protect yourself from flood damage by visiting FloodSmart.gov. 

Find your flood risk at msc.fema.gov/portal.

ready.gov/prepare | 6

Now/Prepare for a Hurricane
During/Survive a Hurricane

DECIDING TO STAY OR GO

If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. If you are not in 

a mandatory evacuation zone, you may still decide to leave the area, you may need to move to higher 

ground, or you may choose to stay in your home. If you decide to stay home, remember that even if the 

high winds and floodwaters do not reach your home, you may lose power and water, and you may not be 

able to leave your home for several days if the roads are impassable.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit | 7

IF YOU ARE IN AN AREA WHERE AUTHORITIES ADVISE OR ORDER YOU TO EVACUATE:

TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY TO EVACUATE!

Grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. Follow posted evacuation 

routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked. 

Stick to designated evacuation routes. For localized information:

• Evacuation routes: Check with your state’s Department of Transportation 

or Office of Emergency Management website to find routes near you. 

• Emergency shelter location: To find a shelter near you, check the 

FEMA mobile app: fema.gov/mobile-app.

Don’t forget: Write down your evacuation route and shelter information 

on your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

IF YOU ARE IN AN AREA WITHOUT AN EVACUATION NOTICE:

If you are in an area that is flooding 

(e.g., on the coast, on a floodplain, 

near a river, or on an island 

waterway), move to a location on 

higher ground before floodwaters 

reach you.

Stay indoors and away from 

windows and glass doors. If you are 

in a temporary structure, safely 

move to a sturdy building and go to 

a windowless room on the lowest 

level that is not likely to flood.

Never use a generator, gasolinepowered equipment and tools, grill, 

camp stove, or charcoal burning 

device inside or in any partially 

enclosed area. Keep these devices 

outside and at least 20 feet from 

doors, windows, and vents.

ready.gov/prepare
After/Be Safe

POST-DISASTER 

TIPS TO STAY SAFE

If you’ve evacuated the area, 

wait for public officials to say 

it is safe before returning. 

Each year, a significant 

number of people are injured 

or killed while cleaning up 

after a hurricane. As you 

begin cleanup, keep these 

safety tips in mind:

STAY SAFE

Do not wade in floodwaters, which can contain dangerous debris like broken 

glass, metal, dead animals, sewage, gasoline, oil, and downed power lines.

Do not enter a building until it has been inspected for damage to the 

electrical system, gas lines, septic systems, and water lines or wells. 

Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, 

rubber boots, and masks to protect you from debris and airborne particles, 

e.g., mold and dust.

Do not use electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.

Protect your pet following a hurricane. To learn more, visit ready.gov/animals.

STAY HEALTHY

Throw out any food including canned items that were not maintained at a 

proper temperature or have been exposed to floodwaters. Do not eat food 

from a flooded garden. When in doubt, throw it out.

Avoid drinking tap water until you know it is safe. If uncertain, boil or 

purify it first.

Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater 

can contain sewage, bacteria, and chemicals.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 8
FIVE STEPS FOR POST-HURRICANE CLEAN-UP

Use appropriate personal protective equipment to avoid injury from possible exposure to mold and 

bacteria including gloves, goggles, rubber boots, and N95 masks. 

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit | 9

After/Be Safe

AIR OUT by opening all doors 

and windows whenever you are 

present. Leave as many windows 

open when you are not present as 

security concerns allow.

MOVE OUT saturated porous 

materials such as mattresses or 

upholstered items, especially those 

with visible fungal growth.

TEAR OUT flooring, paneling, 

drywall, insulation, and electrical 

outlets saturated by floodwater.

CLEAN OUT and disinfect any 

remaining debris and mud.

DRY OUT the building and any 

remaining contents.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The following resources and websites can help you further prepare for, respond to, and recover 

from a hurricane.

FEMA Mobile App: fema.gov/mobile-app

FEMA Against the Wind: Protecting Your 

Home From Hurricane and Wind Damage:

fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/2988

FEMA Community Hurricane Preparedness Training: 

training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-324.a

FEMA Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building 

a Safe Room in Your Home or Small Business:

fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/

2009?id=1536

RELATED WEBSITES

American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness: 

redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane

FEMA Hurricane: ready.gov/hurricanes

FloodSmart Campaign: FloodSmart.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA): noaa.gov

Para obtener información y recursos en español visite 

community.fema.gov/?lang=es 

ready.gov/prepare
For more resources about hurricane risk, visit | 10

TEST YOUR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS KNOWLEDGE

1 MYTH: Preparing for disasters 

is time-consuming and expensive. 

 FACT: Signing up for local 

alerts and warnings is free. 

Many preparedness apps are 

also free. 

 FACT: Your home may already 

contain emergency kit items. 

 FACT: You can purchase items 

for an emergency kit and 

assemble it over time. 

 FACT: Having an adequate 

emergency supply of food and a 

communication plan can be of 

benefit no matter the hazard. 

2 MYTH: My homeowners 

insurance should cover 

everything if a hurricane 

affects me.

 FACT: This is not always the 

case. Check your insurance 

policy and consult your 

insurance agent. 

 FACT: Standard homeowners 

insurance does not cover flood 

damage. 

3 MYTH: In an emergency, only 

first responders need to know 

what to do. 

 FACT: Everyone needs to know 

what to do before, during, and 

after a hurricane to protect 

themselves, their families, and 

their neighbors.

 FACT: First responders may not 

reach you for hours or days after 

a hurricane strikes. Everyone 

needs to know what to do to 

stay safe. 

4 MYTH: I am prepared for any 

emergency, including a 

hurricane, if I have an 

emergency kit packed. 

 FACT: Emergency preparedness 

requires more than a kit.

 FACT: Having a family 

communication plan, signing up 

for alerts and warnings, and 

knowing what to do and how to 

evacuate are also important.

 FACT: Many emergencies 

require knowledge of what to do 

to protect yourself.

5 MYTH: It’s okay if I drive 

through a small amount of 

floodwater. 

 FACT: As little as 12 inches of 

water can float smaller SUVs 

and 18 inches of water can float 

larger vehicles such as full-size 

SUVs. 

 FACT: The depth of the water is 

not always obvious, and moving 

water has tremendous power. 

Turn Around Don’t Drown®

 FACT: Even a small amount of 

water on a road may hide dangers 

such as undermined roads ready 

to collapse. 

 MYTH: A person can safely wait 

to evacuate until confirmation 

that a hurricane is in their area. 

6

 FACT: Those who wait for actual 

confirmation of a hurricane may 

be trapped by high winds, 

flooding, or traffic. 

7 MYTH: If I tape my windows, it 

will protect them from strong 

hurricane force winds. 

 FACT: Taping windows can 

create larger and deadlier shards 

of glass. 

 FACT: Hurricane shutters or 

impact-resistant windows are far 

more effective in protecting 

against breakage of windows. 

ready.gov/prepare
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST 

The right time to prepare for a hurricane is now. This helpful checklist will get you started. Make sure to include your 

entire family in the preparation and discuss your emergency plan with them. Post this checklist in an easily accessible 

location so it’s always close by. Remember to keep in mind your family’s unique needs as you complete the checklist.

| 11

BEFORE A HURRICANE

Stock your emergency kit and 

“go bag” with:

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

 Important contact information for 

family, school, work, doctors, etc., 

including phone numbers and 

email addresses

 Cellular phone, extra battery, and 

chargers for electrical equipment 

 AM/FM radio/NOAA Weather 

Radio (extra batteries)

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

MEDICAL NEEDS

 Medications for at least one week 

and copies of prescriptions

 Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses

 Medical equipment/assistive 

technology and backup batteries

 First aid kit

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS

 Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, 

passport)

 Cash and credit cards

 Personal records (e.g., birth 

certificates, marriage certificates)

 Medical records

 Financial information (e.g., bank 

account or credit card information)

 Property records (e.g., insurance 

policies, deed, or lease)

 Waterproof, portable container for 

important documents 

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

TOOLS & SAFETY ITEMS

 Flashlight

 Multi-purpose tool

 Matches or lighter in waterproof 

container

 Whistle

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

FOOD/SUPPLIES

 At least a three-day supply of 

water and non-perishable food

 Infant formula and diapers

 Pet food, supplies, and extra water

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

HYGIENE & SANITATION

 Soap/disinfectant/sanitizer

 Paper towels/moist towelettes

 Toilet paper

 Bleach

 Toothbrush and toothpaste

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

PROTECTIVE GEAR & CLOTHING

 Extra warm clothes

 Sturdy shoes

 Blankets or sleeping bags

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

COMFORT & PRICELESS ITEMS

 Items like: books, puzzles, favorite 

stuffed toy, photo albums, valuables

 _____________________________________

 _____________________________________

DURING A HURRICANE

When a tropical storm or hurricane watch 

is issued, it’s important to stay informed.

Tune in to channels: ___________________

_________________________________________

Check for alerts on apps: FEMA App 

_________________________________________

In case of evacuation, grab your 

“go bag” and leave immediately.

Use evacuation route: _________________

_________________________________________

The closest shelter is: _________________

_________________________________________

Meet family at: _________________________

________________________________________

Make sure to take these important 

numbers with you:

Family member’s name: 

_________________________________________ 

Phone #: _______________________________

Email: _________________________________

Local contact’s name:

_________________________________________ 

Phone #: _______________________________

Email: _________________________________

Out-of-state contact’s name:

_________________________________________ 

Phone #: _______________________________

Email: __________________________________

Primary physician’s name: 

_________________________________________ 

Phone #: _______________________________

Email: __________________________________

Hospital’s phone #: 

_________________________________________

Insurance company’s phone #: 

_________________________________________

FEMA’s helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA

TTY: 1-800-462-7585

VRS: 1-800-621-3362

Red Cross’s helpline: 1-800-733-2727

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare