Hurricane Emergency Kit Checklist for Your Home

Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters in the United States. In an average year, six to seven hurricanes form in the Atlantic basin, and about three make landfall. But "average" means little when a Category 4 storm is bearing down on your city. Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused $113 billion in damage. Hurricane Katrina displaced over a million people. The Gulf Coast, Atlantic seaboard, and Caribbean territories face this threat every year from June through November.

Unlike earthquakes, hurricanes give you warning — sometimes days of it. That warning is useless if you have not already prepared. Stores empty shelves within hours of a hurricane watch. Gas stations run dry. This guide covers exactly what you need, when to get it, and what to do before, during, and after a hurricane makes landfall.

Before a Hurricane: Preparation Checklist

Hurricane preparation has two phases: seasonal readiness (done once per year in May) and storm-specific actions (done when a named storm threatens your area).

Seasonal Readiness — Every May

• Review your insurance. Understand what your homeowner's policy covers. Standard policies do not cover flooding — you need a separate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy, and there is a 30-day waiting period after purchase.
• Check your kit supplies. Replace expired water, food, and medications. Test your weather radio and flashlights. Replace old batteries.
• Know your evacuation route. Identify at least two routes out of your area. Know your county's hurricane evacuation zone (A, B, C). Download or print maps — your phone may not work.
• Pre-cut plywood for windows if you do not have hurricane shutters. Label each sheet for its window and store them in your garage.

Build Your Hurricane Kit

Essentials ($50–$100):

• Waterproof document bag for insurance papers, IDs, and deeds
• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio
• Water purification tablets (backup for when stored water runs out)
• Three-day water supply (one gallon per person per day)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit and a week's supply of prescription medications

Solid Prep ($100–$300):

• Portable sump pump (essential if your area floods)
• Flood barrier water bags for doorways and garage entries
• 72-hour food and water kit
• Tarp and rope for temporary roof repairs
• Manual can opener (easy to forget, critical when you need it)

Fully Prepared ($300–$1,000+):

• Portable power station with solar charging capability
• Whole-house water filter for post-storm water safety
• Full evacuation go-bag with integrated cash pouch
• Chainsaw for post-storm tree removal
• Waterproof storage bins for valuables

Storm-Specific Actions (48–72 Hours Before Landfall)

• Fill your car's gas tank completely. Fill spare gas cans if you have a generator.
• Withdraw cash — ATMs will stop working when power goes out.
• Install hurricane shutters or plywood over all windows.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, planters, grills, and decorations.
• Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets (not for drinking).
• Set refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Freeze extra water bottles to serve as ice packs.
• Charge all devices, power banks, and your portable power station.
• Move your important documents bag and go-bag to your car.

During a Hurricane: Staying Safe

If you are sheltering in place:

• Stay in an interior room on the lowest floor that is not at risk of flooding. A windowless bathroom or closet is ideal.
• Keep your weather radio on for updates. Storm paths can shift.
• Do not go outside during the eye of the storm. The eye is a temporary calm — the back side of the eyewall brings violent winds from the opposite direction with no warning.
• If flooding begins, move to the highest level of your home. Never enter an attic without a way to break through the roof.
• Stay away from all windows and exterior doors.

If you are evacuating:

• Leave early. Traffic during mandatory evacuations can turn a two-hour drive into a twelve-hour ordeal.
• Follow your planned evacuation route. Do not take shortcuts through unfamiliar areas.
• Turn off all utilities at the main switches before leaving.
• Bring your go-bag, document bag, medications, and enough water and snacks for the drive.
• If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. Six inches of moving water can knock you down. Twelve inches can float a car.

After a Hurricane: Recovery Steps

1. Wait for the all-clear. Do not go outside until emergency management says it is safe. Downed power lines, standing water, and weakened structures create ongoing hazards.
2. Avoid floodwater. Floodwater may contain raw sewage, chemical spills, and hidden electrical hazards from downed lines.
3. Document everything. Photograph and video all damage before you begin cleanup. This is critical for insurance claims.
4. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Claims are processed in the order received, and adjusters are overwhelmed after major storms.
5. Inspect your home carefully. Look for structural damage to the roof, walls, and foundation. Check gas and water lines. Do not restore power to a flooded area.
6. Discard flood-contaminated food. Any food that contacted floodwater must be thrown away. Refrigerated food that was above 40 degrees for more than four hours is unsafe.
7. Watch for mold. Mold growth begins within 24-48 hours of flooding. Remove wet drywall, carpet, and insulation immediately.

Official resources:

• FEMA Hurricane Resources
• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• Red Cross Hurricane Safety

Frequently Asked Questions