Hurricane preparation checklist

Why: Communication networks often fail or become congested during disasters; a pre-set plan ensures everyone knows where to meet and how to check in.

How:

• Designate an out-of-state contact person everyone calls to report safety.
• Identify two meeting places: one right outside your home and one outside your neighborhood.
• Print physical contact cards for every family member's wallet or backpack.

DoneWhen: Every family member has a physical contact card and knows the designated meeting points.

Why: Physical documents can be destroyed by water or wind; digital backups ensure you can prove identity and insurance coverage immediately.

How:

• Scan IDs, insurance policies, birth certificates, and property deeds.
• Upload them to an encrypted cloud service or a waterproof, encrypted USB drive.
• Take photos of every room in your house for insurance baseline 'before' shots.

DoneWhen: All critical documents are accessible via a password-protected digital vault or waterproof container.

Why: If an evacuation order is issued, you need to know exactly where to go without relying on GPS, which may fail.

How:

• Check your local county emergency management website for designated shelters.
• Verify which shelters are pet-friendly if you have animals.
• Map the route from your home to at least two different shelter locations.

DoneWhen: You have a printed map with the route to the nearest open shelter.

Why: Water systems often become contaminated or lose pressure during and after a hurricane.

How:

• Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (and 0.5 gallons per pet).
• Use food-grade plastic containers; avoid glass which can break.
• Check expiration dates on store-bought bottled water.

DoneWhen: You have at least 28 gallons of water stored (for a family of 4).

Why: Power outages render refrigerators useless; you need high-calorie, easy-to-prepare food.

How:

• Buy canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and protein bars.
• Ensure you have a manual can opener.
• Include 'comfort foods' to reduce stress during the storm.

DoneWhen: You have a 7-day supply of food that requires no refrigeration or cooking.

Why: Emergency services may not be able to reach you during the peak of the storm.

How:

• Include trauma supplies: tourniquets, pressure bandages, and antiseptic.
• Secure a 14-day supply of all prescription medications.
• Add over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, and allergy medication.

DoneWhen: The kit is organized in a waterproof container and all prescriptions are filled.

Why: Total darkness increases injury risk and anxiety; communication requires charged devices.

How:

• Purchase a high-capacity portable power station (LiFePO4 preferred for safety).
• Gather LED lanterns for every room and headlamps for hands-free movement.
• Buy a NOAA Weather Radio with hand-crank and solar charging options.

DoneWhen: All power banks are charged to 100% and lanterns have fresh batteries.

Why: Blocked gutters cause water to back up under roof shingles or flood the foundation.

How:

• Remove all leaves, twigs, and debris.
• Flush with a hose to ensure water flows freely away from the house.
• Ensure downspout extensions are securely attached.

DoneWhen: Water flows through the entire system without obstruction.

Why: High winds turn dead branches and loose items into dangerous projectiles.

How:

• Cut back branches that overhang the roof or power lines.
• Remove any dead or diseased trees near the structure.
• Identify outdoor furniture or decor that must be moved inside later.

DoneWhen: No branches are touching the house and dead wood is cleared from the yard.

Why: Broken windows lead to internal pressurization, which can cause roof failure.

How:

• If you don't have impact windows, buy 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood.
• Pre-cut plywood to fit each window and label them (e.g., 'Master Bed Left').
• Install heavy-duty anchors or 'hurricane clips' for quick deployment.

DoneWhen: All window covers are cut, labeled, and ready for immediate installation.

Why: Garage doors are often the weakest point; if they fail, the wind can lift the roof off the house.

How:

• Install a vertical brace kit specifically designed for hurricane winds.
• Check that all tracks are bolted securely to the wall frames.
• Replace old, brittle rollers with heavy-duty nylon or steel versions.

DoneWhen: The garage door is braced and shows no significant flex when pushed.

Why: Gas pumps require electricity; after a storm, fuel shortages are common and lines are long.

How:

• Fill the main tank of all household vehicles.
• If you have a generator, fill approved safety cans with stabilized fuel.
• Check tire pressure and fluid levels in case of a sudden evacuation.

DoneWhen: All vehicles show a full tank on the dashboard.

Why: Credit card machines and ATMs will not work without power or internet.

How:

• Withdraw enough cash to cover 7 days of fuel, food, and supplies.
• Request small bills ($1, $5, $10) as change may be unavailable at stores.
• Keep the cash in your waterproof 'Go-Bag'.

DoneWhen: You have a physical reserve of cash in small denominations.

Why: This is the final physical barrier against the storm.

How:

• Mount the pre-cut plywood or close the hurricane shutters.
• Move all patio furniture, grills, and potted plants into the garage or house.
• Anchor any items that cannot be moved (e.g., large swing sets).

DoneWhen: The house is fully boarded and the yard is completely empty of loose items.

Why: This water is used for 'gray water' tasks like flushing toilets if the main water line fails.

How:

• Clean the bathtub thoroughly first.
• Use a 'WaterBob' or similar heavy-duty plastic liner if available to keep water clean.
• Fill to the brim just before the storm's arrival.

DoneWhen: At least one bathtub is full of water.

Why: Food expires, batteries leak, and family needs change over time.

How:

• Set a calendar reminder for June 1st (Start of Atlantic season) and November 1st.
• Replace any food or water nearing expiration.
• Test the NOAA radio and all flashlights.

DoneWhen: A recurring calendar invite is set and the first audit is documented.