How To Prepare For A Hurricane (35+ Tips With Downloadable PDF) – Mom With a Prep
by Hurricanes are a force of nature that require preparation and awareness. While we can never be 100% certain preparing can make a dent in the damage a storm of this magnitude can do, it is worth the effort to make attempts to reduce risks. As we recently saw with Hurricane Helen, sometimes – even prepping is not enough. But, the recommendations below might help reduce risk of injury, death, or damage.
This guide will equip you with essential knowledge to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to weather the storm and its aftermath.
Emergency Supplies and Equipment
1. Stock up on bottled water
Ensure at least one gallon per person per day for 7-14 days. This is crucial for hydration and sanitation if water services are disrupted. Keeping some five gallon jugs on hand or learning different water purification methods are both important.
2. Non-perishable food
Store a 7-14 day supply of non-perishable foods. We heavily promote dehydrated foods and buying long term food solutions that can last for years. This ensures your family has sustenance if power is out or stores are closed.
3. Manual can opener
Essential for accessing canned foods when electricity is unavailable.
4. First aid kit
Crucial for treating minor injuries when medical services may be limited.
5. Prescription medications
Stock up on a 7-14 day supply to ensure continuity of essential treatments.
6. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Vital for receiving emergency information and updates.
7. Flashlights and extra batteries
Essential for navigating in the dark during power outages.
8. Cellphone with chargers and backup battery
Crucial for communication and receiving alerts.
9. Important documents in a waterproof container
Protects vital records from water damage.
10. Cash and change
Useful when electronic payment systems are down.
11. Paper plates, cups and utensils
In the event of a water supply issue, you will want to have more disposable options for eating and drinking to avoid doing dishes.
Home Preparation
12. Board up windows or close storm shutters
Protects against flying debris and water intrusion. Permanent storm shutters or plywood are the best options for securing windows and doors.
13. Trim trees and shrubs
Reduces the risk of falling branches damaging your property.
14. Clear gutters and downspouts
Ensures proper water drainage to prevent flooding.
15. Secure outdoor furniture and objects
Prevents items from becoming projectiles in high winds. Use tie downs, rope, or if you have storage like a garage or shed – now is the time to pack things up. This includes furniture, trash cans, grills, planters, or anything that could be thrown around and cause injury or damage.
16. Fill bathtubs and large containers with water
Provides additional water for sanitation if supply is cut off.
17. Install a sump pump with battery backup
A sump pump can be beneficial in case of a flood.
18. Unplug electronics
If a storm is on its way, unplug all electronics. This will alleviate any issues caused by power surges that may occur.
Safety and Communication
19. Develop a family communication plan
Ensures everyone knows how to contact each other and where to meet.
20. Check on family, friends, and neighbors
Once it is safe to do so, check on those you care about. Power and communications systems may be down, so if you can travel, check on elderly neighbors and others in person.
21. Identify evacuation routes and shelters
Crucial for quick and safe evacuation if necessary. If a hurricane is announced, prioritize efforts to find safe places to shelter if needed or how to evacuate safely.
22. Make an inventory of home contents
Useful for insurance claims if property is damaged.
23. Review and update insurance policies
Ensures adequate coverage for potential hurricane damage.
24. Prepare an emergency car kit
Includes supplies needed if evacuation becomes necessary.
Special Considerations
25. Pet supplies
Include food, water, and medications for pets in your preparations. Also, do not leave our do tethered during an impending storm!
26. Baby supplies
Stock up on formula, diapers, and other essentials for infants.
27. Medical equipment and supplies
Ensure backup power for essential medical devices.
28. Portable generator
Provides emergency power, but use safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
29. Fire extinguisher
Essential for dealing with small fires that may occur during the storm.
30. Medications
If you, or a member of your family, have a special medication requirement, it is important to get it filled before an emergency arises. If you know a hurricane is on its way and you have a low supply, ask your pharmacist for a refill.
Free Hurricane Preparation PDF Download
Download our free PDF that features this article in a ready to print format. Use it as a checklist to use right now or store it in your emergency binder for preparing over a period of time. This checklist will help you stay on top of your prepping skills for any storm that is heading your way.
Download the Hurricane Preparedness PDF here.
Additional Preparedness Steps
31. Fill up vehicle gas tanks
Ensures you can evacuate quickly if needed.
32. Charge electronic devices
Maximizes device usage time during potential power outages.
33. Freeze gel packs or water bottles
Can be used to keep food cold in coolers if power is lost.
34. Take photos/videos of property
Useful for insurance claims if damage occurs.
35. Learn how to shut off utilities
Prevents additional hazards from damaged gas or water lines.
36. Create a “go bag”
Pack essentials for quick evacuation, including clothes, toiletries, and important items. Each family member should have one. You can leave them in your car to be ready to roll on short notice.
37. Purchase flood insurance
Provides additional protection as standard homeowners insurance often doesn’t cover flood damage.
38. Emergency binder
If you have created an emergency binder, place it in a plastic Ziploc bag and keep it with you during the hurricane.
39. Don’t be a hero
Mother nature is not something to mess with. If it is recommended you evacuate, please do. While preparation can help immensely in many situations, there is no foolproof prepping option. Pack your car, your go-bags, some food and water, pets, emergency binder – and get to safety.
By following this comprehensive list, families can significantly improve their preparedness for a hurricane, ensuring better safety, comfort, and resilience during and after the storm.
Deadliest Storms From Around The World
If you need proof to understand why prepping is important, this list should do it. We analyzed the data to find the most deadliest storms across the world, many occurred right here in the United States. As storms to continue to roll in – it has never been more important than to get your home and personal items in order so you can minimize the impact.
Creating an Emergency Preparation Binder
A family emergency binder is an important part of prepping for any emergency. In this guide you will learn all you need to know about creating one so you can be ready for anything.
