Hurricanes give you something most emergencies don’t: warning. Use it. Here’s a practical checklist to get ready before the storm, ride it out safely, and recover afterward.
Before the season
Know your evacuation zone and route. Stock water (about a gallon per person per day), shelf-stable food, batteries, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a battery or hand-crank radio. Keep important documents in a waterproof bag.
When a storm is approaching
Charge your devices and power banks. Fill the car with fuel. Bring loose outdoor items inside. Follow evacuation orders when they’re issued — don’t wait until the last minute.
During the storm
Stay inside, away from windows. If the eye passes over, don’t be fooled by the calm — the back side of the storm follows. Keep the radio on for updates.
After the storm
Avoid downed power lines and flooded roads. Use generators only outdoors, away from windows. Check on neighbors, especially older or vulnerable ones.
Go deeper
For a full, calm reference on hurricanes and every other major emergency, see the Doomsday Survival Guide.