How do you prepare for a hurricane?

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist | The Blackout Bunker

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Quick answer

Before hurricane season, know your evacuation zone, build a two-week supply kit and a go-bag, and protect windows. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible, usually issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds. A hurricane warning means they're expected, usually within 36 hours. If officials tell you to evacuate, leave.

Before the season (June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic)

Know your zone. Look up your evacuation zone with your county or state emergency management office, and plan where you'd go.
Build your supplies. Keep at least a two-week home supply of water, food and medicine, plus a go-bag for each person.
Protect your home. Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows, trim trees, and clear gutters.
Review insurance. Standard homeowners policies usually don't cover flooding. Flood insurance typically takes 30 days to take effect.
Document belongings. Take photos or video of your home and possessions for insurance claims.

Watch vs. warning

Alert	What it means	What to do
Hurricane watch	Hurricane conditions possible, typically 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds	Finish preparations, fill your car's gas tank, charge devices
Hurricane warning	Hurricane conditions expected, typically within 36 hours	Complete preparations and leave if told to evacuate

When a storm is coming

Bring in outdoor furniture and anything that could blow away.
Fill clean containers and a bathtub liner with water.
Set your fridge and freezer to their coldest settings.
Charge phones and power banks, and get cash.
Follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and local officials.

Riding it out

If you're not ordered to evacuate, shelter in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor that isn't likely to flood. Stay away from windows. Storm surge and inland flooding cause most hurricane deaths, so never walk or drive through flood water.

After the storm

Wait for officials to say it's safe. Watch for downed power lines, and never run a generator indoors. Follow boil water notices.

Our picks

Products we'd consider for our own kits, chosen for reputation and fit. We don't accept payment for placement. Prices and availability are set by Amazon sellers and change often.

Best for: Pre-storm water

WaterBOB Bathtub Water Storage

Fills your tub with up to about 100 gallons of clean water before a storm.

View on Amazon: WaterBOB Bathtub Water Storage (opens in a new tab)

Best for: Storm updates

Midland ER310 Emergency Radio

NOAA weather radio with crank and solar power for when the grid is down.

View on Amazon: Midland ER310 Emergency Radio (opens in a new tab)

Best for: Post-storm power

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

Runs a fridge, fans and phones quietly and safely indoors.

View on Amazon: Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus (opens in a new tab)

Best for: Protecting documents

SentrySafe Fireproof Waterproof Box

Keeps passports, deeds and insurance papers safe from water and fire.

View on Amazon: SentrySafe Fireproof Waterproof Box (opens in a new tab)

Official sources

This guide is general information based on public guidance from the agencies above. It is not medical or professional advice, and The Blackout Bunker is not affiliated with any government agency. Always follow instructions from local officials.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist