Hurricane Season Preparedness Checklist

The images above show before-and-after examples of hurricane damage and recovery. They highlight how quickly conditions can change and why preparation before a storm is essential.

⚠️ Hurricane Warning Levels — Take Them VERY Seriously

🟢 Tropical Storm Watch

• Tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
• Begin preparing your home.
• Fill vehicle fuel tanks.
• Purchase last-minute supplies.

🟡 Tropical Storm Warning

• Tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
• Stay indoors when winds increase.
• Finish outdoor preparations immediately.

🟠 Hurricane Watch

• Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
• Review evacuation routes.
  • Charge electronics.
  • Fill prescriptions.
  • Pack emergency bags.

  🔴 Hurricane Warning

  • Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
  • Complete all preparations.
  • Evacuate immediately if local officials issue an evacuation order.
  • Do not wait until conditions worsen.

  ⚫ Storm Surge Warning

  Storm surge is often the deadliest hurricane hazard.

  • Leave immediately if you are in an evacuation zone.
  • Never drive through floodwater.

    Hurricane Season Preparedness Checklist

    Protect Your Home, Family, Pets, andThe images above show before-and-after examples Vehicles

    

    The images above show before-and-after examples of hurricane damage and recovery. They highlight how quickly conditions can change and why preparation before a storm is essential.

    ---

    ⚠️ Hurricane Warning Levels — Take Them Seriously

    🟢 Tropical Storm Watch

    • Tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
    • Begin preparing your home.
    • Fill vehicle fuel tanks.
    • Purchase last-minute supplies.

    🟡 Tropical Storm Warning

    • Tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
    • Stay indoors when winds increase.
    • Finish outdoor preparations immediately.

    🟠 Hurricane Watch

    • Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
    • Review evacuation routes.
    • Charge electronics.
    • Fill prescriptions.
    • Pack emergency bags.

    🔴 Hurricane Warning

    • Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
    • Complete all preparations.
    • Evacuate immediately if local officials issue an evacuation order.
    • Do not wait until conditions worsen.

    ⚫ Storm Surge Warning

    Storm surge is often the deadliest hurricane hazard.

    • Leave immediately if you are in an evacuation zone.
    • Never drive through floodwater.

    ---

    🏠 Home Preparedness Checklist

    Outside

    ☐ Trim trees and remove dead branches

    ☐ Bring inside:

    • Patio furniture
    • Trash cans
    • Decorations
    • Grills
    • Toys
    • Potted plants

    ☐ Install hurricane shutters

    ☐ Board windows if needed

    ☐ Reinforce garage door

    ☐ Clean gutters and drains

    ☐ Check roof for loose shingles

    ☐ Secure propane tanks

    ☐ Test sump pump

    ☐ Know how to shut off:

    • Electricity
    • Water
    • Natural gas

    ---

    Inside

    ☐ Photograph every room before storm season for insurance documentation.

    ☐ Store documents in waterproof containers:

    • Insurance policies
    • Birth certificates
    • Passports
      • Medical records
      • Property deeds

      ☐ Stock:

      • Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
      • Nonperishable food
      • Manual can opener
      • Flashlights
      • Batteries
      • Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
      • First-aid kit
      • Prescription medications
      • Hygiene supplies
      • Baby supplies if needed

      ☐ Charge:

      • Phones
      • Tablets
      • Power banks

      ☐ Fill bathtubs with water for sanitation if appropriate.

      ☐ Freeze containers of water to help keep food cold during outages.

      ---

      🚗 Vehicle Checklist

      ☐ Fill fuel tank

      ☐ Check tire pressure

      ☐ Check spare tire

      ☐ Oil level

      ☐ Windshield washer fluid

      ☐ Emergency kit:

      • Jumper cables
      • Flashlight
      • Blanket
      • Water
      • Snacks
      • Phone charger
      • First aid kit
      • Tire inflator

      ☐ Paper road map (you never know)

      ☐ Keep cash in small bills

      • Medical records
      • Property deeds

      ☐ Stock:

      • Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
      • Nonperishable food
      • Manual can opener
      • Flashlights
      • Batteries
      • Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
      • First-aid kit
      • Prescription medications
      • Hygiene supplies
      • Baby supplies if needed

      🎒 Family Go-Bag

      One bag per person.

      Include:

      • Three days of clothing
      • Prescription medications
      • Eyeglasses
      • Cell phone charger
      • Power bank
      • Flashlight
      • Batteries
      • Important documents
      • Snacks
      • Water
      • Cash
      • Hygiene supplies
      • Rain jacket
      • Emergency contact list

      🐶 Pet Emergency Kit

      ☐ Food (3–7 days)

      ☐ Water

      ☐ Medications

      ☐ Vaccination records

      ☐ Leash

      ☐ Harness

      ☐ Crate or carrier

      ☐ Favorite toy

      ☐ Blanket

      ☐ Food bowls

      ☐ Waste bags

      ☐ Litter and litter box (for cats)

      ☐ Recent photo of your pet

      ☐ Microchip information

      ---

      🛣️ Evacuation Route Planning

      Know at least:

      • Primary route
      • Secondary route
        • Inland destination
        • Local shelter locations

        Before leaving:
        ☐ Lock doors

        ☐ Turn off utilities if instructed

        ☐ Unplug electronics

        ☐ Notify family where you’re going

        ☐ Leave early—roads become congested quickly.

        🏨 Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

        Before hurricane season:

        • Identify several pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation routes.
        • Confirm their hurricane and pet policies before travel, as availability can change rapidly during emergencies.
        • Ask about:
          • Pet fees
          • Size or breed restrictions
          • Number of pets allowed
          • Required vaccination records
          • Generator backup
          • Cancellation policies

        Also identify:

        • Friends or family outside evacuation zones.
        • Boarding facilities that accept emergency evacuations.
        • Local emergency shelters that allow pets, if available.
          

          ⚠️ During the Storm

          Stay away from:

          • Windows
          • Glass doors
          • Skylights

          Remain in an interior room.

          Keep your weather radio on.

          Never go outside during the eye of the storm. Dangerous winds can return suddenly from the opposite direction.

          Never use:

          • Outdoor grills indoors
          • Charcoal grills indoors
            • Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, or hidden hazards.
            • Never drive through flooded roads—depth and road conditions can be deceptive.
            • Storm surge and flooding often cause more fatalities than wind.
            • Preparing before hurricane season is generally more effective than waiting until a storm is approaching.
              

              ✅ After the Hurricane

              Do NOT return home until officials say it is safe to do so. Check neighborhood and surrounding areas for looters-check with local law enforcement ahead of time.

              Before entering your property or home:☐ Look for structural damage.

              ☐ Smell for gas leaks.

              ☐ Avoid standing water.

              ☐ Watch for downed power lines.

              ☐ Wear:

              • Boots
              • Gloves
              • Eye protection

              Document damage:
              ☐ Take photographs and videos before cleanup.

              ☐ Contact your insurance company promptly.

              ☐ Keep receipts for emergency repairs.

              Throw away:

              • Food exposed to floodwater
              • Refrigerated food left above safe temperatures for extended periods

              Use generators only outdoors, well away from doors, windows, and vents.

              ---

              Important Reminders

              • Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, or hidden hazards.
              • Never drive through flooded roads—depth and road conditions can be deceptive.
              • Storm surge and flooding often cause more fatalities than wind.
              • Preparing before hurricane season is generally more effective than waiting until a storm is approaching.

              YA’LL STAY VIGIL AND STAY SAFE OUT THERE THIS SEASON!!

      ---