How much water should I store for a hurricane?

Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 7 days. A family of four needs at least 28 gallons. Fill bathtubs as additional backup — a standard tub holds 80 to 100 gallons.

When should I start preparing for a hurricane?

Begin preparation as soon as a tropical storm watch is issued for your area — typically 48 to 72 hours before landfall. Store supplies, secure your home, and confirm your evacuation route before a warning is issued.

What should go in a hurricane emergency kit?

A hurricane emergency kit should include water (1 gallon per person per day for 7 days), shelf-stable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio, flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of any medications, copies of important documents, cash in small bills, and a phone charger or power bank.

Is it safe to go outside during the eye of a hurricane?

No. The eye of a hurricane brings a brief period of calm, but the eyewall on the other side — often the most intense part of the storm — follows within minutes. Stay inside and away from windows until officials declare it safe.

What do I do after a hurricane passes?

Wait for an official all-clear before going outside. Photograph all damage before cleanup for insurance claims. Avoid flooded roads and downed power lines. Do not use a generator indoors or in an attached garage.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist — Before, During & After the Storm

Phase 1

Before the storm. 72 hours to get ready.

Most hurricane deaths and injuries are preventable. The window to prepare opens when a watch is issued — not when a warning comes.

Water

Store 1 gallon per person per day for at least 7 days — include pets
Fill bathtubs as emergency backup (80 to 100 gallons each)
Fill all available water containers, jugs, and bottles
Locate your water shut-off valve in case of pipe damage

Food

Confirm at least 7 days of shelf-stable food that requires no cooking
Stock manual can opener — do not rely on electric
Eat perishable foods first once power goes out
Account for infant formula, special diets, and pet food

Power and Lighting

Fully charge phones, tablets, laptops, and all power banks
Test flashlights and replace batteries — confirm one per person
If you have a generator: test it outdoors, confirm fuel supply, and review CO safety
Charge a portable power station if you have one

Communications

Locate or purchase a battery-powered NOAA weather radio
Sign up for local emergency alerts (Wireless Emergency Alerts are automatic)
Agree on a family communication plan and out-of-state contact
Download offline maps for your area in case cellular networks fail

Home and Property

Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, and loose items
Board up windows or install storm shutters
Clear gutters and storm drains around your property
Know how to shut off your gas, water, and electricity

Documents and Finances

Gather copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof bag
Have cash in small bills — ATMs and card readers fail during outages
Photograph your home and valuables for insurance documentation
Confirm your insurance covers flood damage (most homeowner policies do not)

Phase 2

Evacuation. Know before you need to go.

Evacuation orders are not suggestions. If your county calls for evacuation, go. Traffic clears faster when people leave early.

Route and Shelter

Identify two evacuation routes out of your area on a paper map
Locate your nearest official evacuation shelter (county emergency management website)
Know whether your shelter accepts pets — most Red Cross shelters do not
Confirm a meeting point with family members who may be separated

Vehicle and Go-Bag

Keep the gas tank above half when a watch is issued — fill it completely at warning
Pack a 72-hour bag: water, food, medications, documents, change of clothes, chargers
Do not wait until the last minute — roads flood and gas stations run out
If you have no vehicle, contact your local emergency management office for transportation options

Phase 3

During the storm. Stay inside. Stay informed.

Once the storm arrives, your job is simple: stay put, stay informed, and wait it out.

Stay indoors in an interior room away from all windows
Monitor your NOAA weather radio or local emergency alerts continuously
Do not go outside during the eye — the storm resumes, often more intensely
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed — food stays safe for 4 hours (fridge) or 48 hours (full freezer)
Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors — carbon monoxide is odorless and fatal
If flooding begins and you are trapped, move to the highest floor — do not go into a sealed attic

Phase 4

After the storm. The danger is not over.

Most hurricane fatalities occur after the storm passes. Flooded roads, downed lines, and contaminated water kill more people than the wind does.

Immediate Safety

Wait for an official all-clear before going outside
Avoid all flooded roads — 6 inches of moving water can knock you down
Stay 30 feet from any downed power line — treat it as live
Do not drink tap water until authorities confirm it is safe

Recovery and Documentation

Photograph all damage before moving or cleaning anything for your insurance claim
Contact your insurance company to open a claim promptly
Check on elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, and those who live alone
Register with FEMA for disaster assistance if your area receives a federal disaster declaration

Gear

Still need to get equipped? Start here.

A few items do most of the work in a hurricane. These are the ones worth having before the season starts.

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Hurricane Preparedness Checklist. Before, during, and after.