Do these before a hurricane watch is issued: find your evacuation zone, build a supply kit, write a family plan and check your insurance. Follow local officials. These are general steps from official sources and do not replace local orders.
Know your zone
Find out whether you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government or emergency management office. See our guide on evacuation zones.
Build a supply kit
Ready.gov lists one gallon of water per person per day for several days, and several days of non-perishable food. Add a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (ideally with NOAA Weather Radio), a first aid kit, a phone with chargers and a backup battery, a whistle, a dust mask, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, a manual can opener and local maps.
Add what your household needs
Ready.gov also suggests prescription and non-prescription medications, copies of insurance policies, identification and bank records saved electronically or in a waterproof container, cash, a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, and a change of weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
Make a family emergency plan
Agree with family or close contacts on how you will reach each other, where you will go and what you will do. Keep a copy in your supplies kit or another accessible place.
Review your insurance
Confirm that your home and personal property coverage is adequate. See our guide on insurance and FEMA help for what to do after a loss.
Protect your windows
The NWS says permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. The alternative is 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Buy supplies before hurricane season, not during the pre-storm rush.
Know the alerts
Learn the NWS forecast products, especially hurricane watches and warnings. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible and a warning means they are expected, and by a warning all preparations should be complete.
Hurricane preparedness for seniors and older adults, or if you have medical needs
Put medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers in your emergency kit. Plan how you will take assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches if you evacuate, and plan your transportation if you need help leaving. Build a support network of family, friends and others, and make sure at least one person has an extra key, knows where your supplies are and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or give your medicine. If you get routine treatment at a clinic or hospital, ask about its emergency plan and identify backup providers (Ready.gov).
If you have pets or service animals
Plan food and water for your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so find pet-friendly evacuation centers before a storm, and ask friends or family outside your area whether they can help with your animals (Ready.gov). Our shelters guide covers what to bring and how to find an open shelter.
Hurricane preparedness for businesses: if you run a small business
The Small Business Administration suggests an emergency communications plan and a business continuity plan, backing up data so you can reach important files remotely, and keeping current contact information for employees, customers and suppliers. Have a backup power supply, windstorm shutters or plywood for windows and doors, and cash on hand in case electronic payments fail, and secure or move outdoor equipment and loose debris. Check your insurance coverage with your insurer or an advisor, because the SBA guidance does not cover it.
Get ready
Now
Secure loose outdoor items
The NWS says high winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety.
Source: NWS: High windKnow if you are in a flood-prone area
If you are in a flood-prone or low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately when water starts to rise.
Source: NWS: During a floodKnow your evacuation zone
Find out whether you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government or emergency management office.
Source: NWS: Hurricane planBuild your supply kit
Store one gallon of water per person per day for several days, non-perishable food, medications, a radio, a flashlight and phone chargers.
Source: Ready.gov: Build a kitCover your windows
Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. The alternative is 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
Source: NWS: Hurricane actionDecide
If conditions worsen
Evacuate when water starts to rise
Evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. If told to leave, go right away. Follow orders from local emergency management.
Source: NWS: During a floodFollow evacuation orders
Leave immediately if ordered to evacuate. Storm surge has historically been the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the U.S. We do not decide evacuations. Your local emergency management does.
Source: NWS: Hurricane actionRide it out
During
Check your local NWS office for driving advice
The NWS notes that winds sustained at 40 to 50 mph can cause isolated wind damage. Follow your local NWS office for instructions.
Source: NWS: High windTurn around, don’t drown
It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and twelve inches of rushing water can carry away most cars. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road.
Source: NWS: Turn Around Don't DrownFollow your local NWS office in high winds
The NWS says high winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety. Check your local NWS office for instructions.
Source: NWS: High windStay inside, away from windows
If you are not ordered to evacuate, take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level, away from windows. If the eye passes over, the calm is short and winds return rapidly from the opposite direction.
Source: NWS: Hurricane actionRecover
After, once it is safe
Stay clear of downed power lines
Stay clear of fallen power lines and report them to the electric company.
Source: CDC: Returning Home After a Natural DisasterStay out of flood water after the storm
Stay out of floodwater and do not drive through flooded areas. Return home only when local authorities say it is safe.
Source: CDC: Returning Home After a Natural DisasterAvoid flood water and downed lines after the storm
Stay out of floodwater, stay clear of fallen power lines, and return home only when local authorities say it is safe.
Source: CDC: Returning Home After a Natural DisasterUse generators outdoors only
Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even with doors and windows open. Run it only outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
Source: CDC: Carbon monoxideCheck your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Common questions
How do I prepare for a hurricane?
The NWS lists six steps: know your zone, build a kit, make a family plan, review insurance, learn the forecast products and prepare your home.
When should I prepare?
Prepare before the season or before a watch is issued, not during the pre-storm rush.
Sources
- NWS: Hurricane plan
- NWS: Hurricane action
- Ready.gov: Build a kit
- Ready.gov: Older adults
- SBA: Prepare your small business for hurricane season
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on October 26, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.