Essential Steps to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. Coastal communities are most at risk for extreme winds & flooding from rain & storm surges during a hurricane. However, the impact of hurricanes can extend from the coast to several hundred miles inland. Rain, wind, flooding, power outages, and even tornadoes can happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall.
Hurricane Destruction
Threats of a Hurricane
hurricane force windspeeds of 72-157 mph
an average of 16 inches of rain within a 24-hour period
can increase the water level by up to 30 feet or more – this is often the greatest threat to life and property
can produce widespread torrential rains which cause massive flooding and trigger landslides
Effects of Hurricanes
to humans and animals by drowning and wind-borne debris
to auto, homes, buildings, and roads
of power, water, and gas
to transportation and clean water systems
Before a Hurricane Happens
There is so much that can be done before a hurricane strikes that can protect you, your family, and your property from the danger and destruction of hurricane force winds and resulting floods. If you live in an area where hurricanes are possible, now is the time to prepare.
#1 Understand the hurricane alert system
Knowing what each alert means helps you take the right actions at the right time. The National Weather Service (NWS) and National Hurricane Center (NHC) issue several types of alerts as a storm develops.
- Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory: Issued by the National Hurricane Center to provide official storm information - location, intensity, movement, hazards, and a summary of watches and warnings in effect. It does not indicate a threat level.
- Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane or tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. Begin preparing by checking your supplies, charging devices and backup batteries, and monitor updates from NOAA Weather Radio, local or other trusted news.
- Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning: Conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete all storm preparations, secure outdoor items, move vehicles to safe locations, and follow guidance from local officials.
- Evacuation Orders: Issued by local emergency management, not the NWS. These orders mean life‑threatening conditions are expected and you must leave the area immediately if directed. Routes may close quickly so don't delay.
#2 Prepare to evacuate
Here are some important things to have on hand long before any evacuation warning or order is issued.
- Evacuation Plan: If you are asked to leave your home, you'll want to have a pre-planned strategy that will do the thinking for you. Learn more about creating an evacuation plan for your family and having a plan for your pet.
- Grab & Go Bag: Pack the items you'll want to take with you on your way out. Have a grab & go bag for each family member and for your pet.
- Emergency Binder: This binder includes important documents and records. If something happens to your home, your information will be safe and easily accessible.
#3 Prepare to shelter-in-place
You may not be evacuated and will be able to stay home. However, there is a good chance you may lose electricity so plan now to deal with that probability.
- Food & Water: Learn how to build a food supply and water supply that will see you through a short or longer term power outage.
- Coping Without Electricity: Learn how to cook, stay warm, have light, and charge your devices when the electricity is out.
Warning: If you live in a manufactured, mobile, trailer, or RV home, make plans to evacuate. These homes are not made to withstand hurricane force winds so do not attempt to shelter-in-place.
#4 Protect your property
- Bring loose, lightweight objects (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans, and bicycles) inside.
- Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks).
- Trim all trees & shrubs. High winds can turn branches into projectiles during a storm. Consider removing trees close enough to fall on buildings.
- Keep drains and gutters free of debris.
- Store emergency protective materials such as plywood, plastic sheeting, and sandbags.
#5 Invest in your property
The following suggestions cost money, but these investments can go a long way in protecting your property from hurricane force winds and flooding.
- Install sewer backflow valves
- Waterproof your basement
- Elevate your furnace, water heater, and electrical panel
- Install hurricane shutters
- Retrofit your roof, windows, and doors
- Purchase flood Insurance
During a Hurricane
Always listen to your local authorities and be ready to get out. If you are not evacuated and hunker down at home, follow safety protocols to keep you and your family safe.
#1 Evacuating
Because hurricanes are easy to forecast, the alert system should provide you with plenty of notice. When the first one comes in, grab your evacuation plan, and start implementing it immediately. The beauty of this plan is that it does the thinking for you. Simply follow the steps and listen closely to your local authorities. When they tell you to leave, you will be ready to go.
- Take your supplies with you if you have time to grab them.
- Follow instructions provided from local leaders
- Follow posted evacuation routes and stick to them. Do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
- If you encounter flood waters, turn around. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
#2 Sheltering-in-place
If the high winds and floodwaters do not reach your home, you may still lose power and water, and you may not be able to leave your home for several days if the roads are impassable. Follow these tips to ensure your safety.
- Stay informed so you can react.
- Secure yourself inside of a sturdy building, not a temporary structure.
- Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Go to a windowless room on the lowest level that is not likely to flood, and take your grab & go bags, binder, and pets with you.
- If water comes into your home, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood waters.
After a Hurricane
The aftermath of a hurricane often includes dealing with major flooding with homes, businesses, and roadways that are damaged or destroyed. After an evacuation, return home only when authorities give you the green light to do so. When you head back, bring water and other supplies with you. Expect major disruptions to daily activities as it will take time for life to get back to normal.
#1 Exterior hazards
- Look for Damage: Assess damage to power and gas lines, foundation cracks, your home's exterior, and downed or unstable trees and poles.
- Turn Off Utilities: This includes water, gas, and electricity - this can pose a huge risk of electrocution inside your home.
- Stay Out of Floodwater: It can contain dangerous debris like broken glass, metal, dead animals, sewage, gasoline, oil, and downed power lines. They can also contain unwanted guests that are very much alive like rodents, snakes, insects, and other animals. They may be inside your home as well.
#2 Fixing, Cleaning & Disinfecting
- Use PPE: Use appropriate personal protective equipment to avoid injury from possible exposure to mold and bacteria including gloves, safety glasses, rubber boots, and N95 masks.
- Look for Mold: Mold growth is very likely depending on how long you have been away from your home. Find and remove it properly.
- Open Windows and Doors: Air out and dry out your home by opening all doors and windows whenever you are present. Leave as many windows open when you are not present as security concerns allow.
- Remove Porous Items: Some items cannot be cleaned or disinfected. These include some types of flooring, paneling, drywall, insulation, mattresses, carpeting, upholstered items, stuffed animals, and other baby toys.
- Clean and Disinfect: Clean the remaining hard surfaces like floors, countertops, and appliances with hot water and soap or detergent. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage, bacteria, and chemicals. Remove properly.
#3 Food & water hazards
- Throw Out Food & Bottled Water: Food that hasn’t been kept at a safe temperature - or that has come into contact with floodwater - must be discarded. Do not eat produce from a garden that has been flooded. When in doubt, throw it out. The same rule applies to bottled water: if the bottle was submerged in floodwater, do not drink it.
- Boil Water Before Using: Do not drink tap water unless officials have confirmed it is safe. Never assume safety after a flood or water‑system disruption. Until you receive an official “all clear,” boil all tap water before use and monitor alerts from your city or water district. Do not use unboiled tap water for washing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing or preparing food.
#4 Other Considerations
- Keep Monitoring Alerts: Emergency information may continue after the water recedes. Alerts may include road closures, boil water notices, shelter locations, re-entry instructions, utility hazards, or additional rainfall warnings.
- Avoid Driving: When possible, stay off the roads right after a flooding event.
- Avoid Flooded Areas or Standing Water: These areas can hide dangerous toxins, chemicals, sharp objects, snakes, and electrified water.
- Avoid Disaster Areas: Your presence may hamper restoration, rescue, or other emergency operations.