It's Not Too Late To Prepare For The Hurricane

 Bianca Barr

Published: August 28, 2023

It’s hurricane season and now is the time to prepare, especially if you live on the eastern or southern coasts of the United States.

"​A well-established, well-communicated and well-documented sequence of evacuation plans should be set up in your home before hurricane season, but it's not too late to create them now," said weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Belles. "You should have several options available with at least one being a 'close to home' option."

Before The Storm Is On The Radar

Satellite view with digital enhancement of Hurricane Dorian, 2019.

-Start by signing up for a wireless warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio are excellent options. Download The Weather Channel app and customize your experience for accurate and timely information.

-Note evacuation zones and routes in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

-Build an emergency supply kit that includes batteries, water and non-perishable food for at least three days and medications for everyone who needs them.

(​MORE: Returning Home After A Hurricane)

-Practice going to a safe shelter, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. If you don't live close to an official one, the next best thing is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that's flood-proof.

-Clear debris from drains and gutters now to protect your property.

-Check for faulty plumbing and fix soft spots on roofs and walls.

-Invest in storm shutters, and make sure your home insurance policy includes storm protection.

When A Hurricane Could Hit In 36 Hours

-Review your evacuation plans and shelter options, and make sure your loved ones know what to do should you lose power.

-Recheck your emergency supplies and make sure you have everything you need for at least three days.

-Be up-to-date on your car’s regular maintenance and fill up the gas tank in case you must leave quickly.

When The Hurricane Is A Day Away

Terra satellite image of tropical cyclone Ingrid in Coral Sea, 2005.

-Take notice of emergency alerts for your area and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

-Keep your cellphone charged in case you lose power.

-Bring all lightweight objects, like lawn furniture and garbage cans, inside as they could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.

-Anchor down anything else that you can't bring inside, and install storm shutters.

The Day The Hurricane Hits

Massive destruction on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian, 2022.

-Check emergency weather updates every 30 minutes.

-Sign up for emergency instruction alerts so you can act quickly if needed.

-If you live in an area where evacuation isn't recommended: stay inside and tell your loved ones where you are.

-Close storm shutters and stay away from windows in case high winds damage them.

-Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the highest setting so if you lose power, your food will stay fresh longer.

-​Move perishable food into the freezer.

B​ianca Barr is the branded content editor for weather.com. Her professional experiences include radio and television broadcast news, teaching and strategic communications at a popular (and large!) university in Pennsylvania and digital service journalism within the weather vertical.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.