For Gulf Coast families
Get ready before the storm has a name
Most hurricane damage and injuries happen to people who waited until the last day. Here's what to do, in order, so you're never scrambling.
Off-season
PrepareTrim trees, service the generator, review insurance.Storm forms
Stock upWater, food, fuel, medicine, cash.Watch issued
SecureShutters up, yard cleared, car fueled.Warning issued
Shelter or goFollow your county's evacuation orders.Before the season (December to May)
- Know your evacuation zone. Look it up by address: Florida, or search your county's emergency management site in other states. Zones are based on storm surge, not wind.
- Check your insurance. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flooding. Flood insurance has a 30-day wait, so buy it well before a storm.
- Trim trees and clear gutters. Dead limbs become projectiles. Off-season tree work is cheaper and easier to book.
- Service your generator and A/C. Run the generator under load, change the oil, and test the transfer switch.
- Plan for shutters or plywood. Pre-cut and label plywood for each window, or get impact windows quoted.
- Photograph your home and belongings for insurance claims, and store the photos in the cloud.
Supply checklist
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day, for 7 days
- Non-perishable food for 7 days, plus a manual can opener
- Prescription medicines (2-week supply) and first aid kit
- NOAA weather radio with spare batteries
- Flashlights, lanterns and batteries (no candles)
- Phone chargers and battery packs
- Cash in small bills. ATMs and card readers go down.
- Full gas tank, plus fuel for the generator
- Important papers in a waterproof bag
- Tarps, rope, duct tape and basic tools
- Pet food, carrier and vaccination records
- Bleach, trash bags and work gloves for cleanup
When a storm is coming
- Hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within about 48 hours. Finish shopping, fill prescriptions, fuel up, and bring in outdoor furniture.
- Hurricane warning means conditions are expected within about 36 hours. Put up shutters, and leave if you're ordered to or live in a mobile home.
- Storm surge warning means life-threatening flooding from the sea. Surge is the deadliest part of most hurricanes. If you're in a surge zone, evacuate. Run from water, hide from wind.
- Track the storm on the live tracker, but always follow the National Hurricane Center and your county.
Generator safety
Carbon monoxide kills more people after hurricanes than the storm itself in many years. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near open windows or doors.
- Keep it at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away.
- Install battery carbon monoxide alarms on every floor.
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet ("backfeeding"). It can kill line workers. Use a transfer switch installed by an electrician.
- Let it cool before refueling, and store fuel away from the house.
After the storm
- Stay off the roads until officials say they're clear. Don't drive or walk through flood water. Six inches can knock you down and a foot can float a car.
- Treat every downed line as live, and report it to your utility.
- Photograph damage before you clean up, and call your insurer quickly.
- Use licensed, insured contractors. Get written estimates and be wary of anyone asking for full payment up front.
- Throw out food that's been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
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Local storm-prep businessesThis guide is general information, not official guidance. Sources: Ready.gov, NHC preparedness, and your local emergency management.