Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
What to Do: Before
Make Plans to Stay Safe — Determine your best protection from high winds and flooding. Have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately
You may have to leave your home quickly and go to a safe place.
Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay.
Plan well in advance if you will need help leaving or use public transportation.
Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not safe in high-wind events. Plan ahead by preparing to evacuate to a safe location. Make Plans to Stay Safe
Plan to shelter safely
Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone & internet for a long time.
Practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. The next best protection is a small room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building that is not likely to flood.
Be aware that flooding can happen quickly. Have a plan to evacuate fast before floodwaters reach you.
Create a personal support team of people you may assist and who can assist you.
Plan to stay connected
Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
Plan to monitor local weather & news.
Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
Have a battery-powered radio during a power outage.
Understand the types of alerts that you may receive and have a plan to respond when you receive them.
— A WATCH means Be Prepared!
— A WARNING means Take Action!
Learn emergency skills
Learn First Aid and CPR.
Be ready to live without power. Utilities may be offline.
Be ready to live without power, gas & water. Plan for your electrical needs, including cell phones & medical equipment.
Talk to your doctor.
Plan for backup power.
Gather emergency supplies
Gather food, water & medicine. Stores & pharmacies might be closed. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit & Stay-at-Home Kit.
Go-Kit: at least 3 days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries & chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
Stay-at-Home Kit: at least 2 weeks of supplies.
Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container & medical supplies or equipment.
Keep personal, financial & medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications & dosages on a small card to carry with you.
Protect Your Home
WIND —
Secure/bring inside outdoor items, (ex. lawn furniture & trash cans), that could be picked up by high winds and hurt someone
Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring inside (ex. gas grills & propane tanks)
Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home
Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or sheeting
FLOOD —
Clean out drains, gutters & downspouts.
Stockpile protective materials (ex. plastic sheeting & sandbags)
Consider installing a sump pump with battery backup
Consider elevating the heating system, water heater & electric panel
Review insurance policies with your agency.
What to Do: During
If local authorities advise you to evacuate, go right away
Bring your Go-Kit.
Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
Check with local officials for shelter locations. Download the Red Cross Emergency App to find shelters near you.
Determine your best protection for high winds & flooding
Take shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds
Stay away from glass windows & doors
Move to higher ground before flooding begins
Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Remember, Turn Around! Don’t Drown!
What to Do: After
Stay Safe
Wait for officials to say it is safe before going back home.
Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles & downed wires. They can electrocute you.
Do not touch floodwaters because they may contain sewage, bacteria & chemicals that can make you sick.
If power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risk.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent or camper–or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.
Cleanup Safely
Wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves, goggles & boots
Clean & disinfect everything that got wet
When cleaning heavy debris, work with a partner
Make sure that you have proper training before using equipment (ex. chainsaws)
Heart attacks are a leading cause of death after a hurricane. Be mindful of overworking.
Cleaning up is a big job. Take breaks & take care of yourself.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress or anxiety.
Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.