YOUR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

A little preparation. A safer storm season.

Get your home and family ready, one step at a time. Start early and check off each item as you go — and make sure your coverage is ready too.

Protect your home

Storm shuttersCheck that shutters or rated storm panels fit. Keep hardware and tools together; install before strong winds arrive.

Roof, gutters & yardRepair loose roofing, clear gutters and drains, and trim weak branches well before a storm.

Outdoor belongingsBring in patio furniture, toys and loose items. Secure anything that could blow away.

Important recordsPhotograph your home and belongings. Keep IDs, insurance policies and key contacts in a waterproof bag, with digital copies.

WaterStore at least 1 gallon per person, per day, for at least 3 days. Add more for pets and hot weather; store extra if possible.

FoodHave at least 3 days of ready-to-eat, nonperishable food for everyone, plus pet food and a manual can opener.

Light & communicationPack flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered weather radio, phone chargers and charged power banks.

Health & everyday needsGather medicines, a first-aid kit, hygiene supplies, cash, and any baby or medical-device supplies your family needs.

Know where to goCheck your evacuation zone and plan a route and a place to stay. Arrange transportation and a safe place for pets.

Be ready to moveFuel your vehicle, pack a go-bag, and share your plan with an out-of-area contact.

Follow local alertsMonitor official forecasts and local emergency instructions. Leave promptly when ordered; never drive through floodwater.

If using a generator, run it outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Never use it in a home or garage. Test carbon monoxide alarms.

Already checked the boxes? Make sure your named-storm and wind/hail deductibles are still right for your home.