Hurricane Preparation Checklist

• Sign up for your community’s emergency alert warning system. Listen for emergency information and alerts.

• Become familiar with your hurricane evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations.

• Ensure important documents are secured in a waterproof container or safe.

• Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Keep the gas tank full. Stock emergency supplies and a change of clothes in the trunk.

• If you are leaving a car behind, move your car into a garage.  If you park your car in a garage with multiple levels, move your car to an above-ground level.

• Make plans for your pets.

• Protect your property. Invest in hurricane impact resistant glass or install hurricane rated shutters, ensuring that all openings are protected. 

• Cut weak tree branches and any branches that could break off in high winds and cause property damage.

• Bring in any loose items that could blow around, including garbage cans, lawn furniture and planters.

• Move all appliances onto masonry blocks or concrete.

• Move furniture and electronic devices off the floor.

• Remove area rugs from floors so they won’t get wet and grow mold or mildew.

• If you have an emergency generator, fill the fuel tank. Store extra fuel away from heat sources and open flames.

• Seal any exterior gaps, holes or cracks.

• Close all interior doors, windows and exterior doors. Closing the interior doors keeps high winds from whipping around your home and possibly putting extra pressure on your roof.

• Charge your cellphone so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

• If a hurricane heads in the direction of your property, shut off your electrical service at the main breaker.

Emergency Supply Kit Recommendations

• One gallon of water per person per day (three-day supply for an evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food (three-day supply for an evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• A flashlight

• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, such as an NOAA weather radio

• Extra batteries

• A first-aid kit

• Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items such as hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.

• A multipurpose tool

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Critical documents, sealed in a waterproof container (Keep any important documents you won't need in an emergency off-site.)

• A cellphone and charger

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• An emergency blanket that's waterproof, windproof, easily packable and shred-resistant

• Map(s) of the area

• An extra set of car keys and house keys

• Baby and pet supplies (if applicable)

• A manual can opener