How to Get Ready for a Hurricane

Key Insights

It takes a lot to shake up Floridians. After experiencing countless hurricanes, only the most formidable storms make residents pay attention to even mandatory evacuation orders.

However, Hurricane Ian, which was expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico and strike Florida’s west coast as a major storm, left residents with no choice but to act.

So, how do you prepare when a powerful storm like Hurricane Ian is heading straight for your city and home? We’ll walk you through the emergency supplies and hurricane safety tips, so you’ll be ready and know how to prepare for a hurricane.

How to Prepare When a Hurricane Is On Its Way

The National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch when hurricane-strength winds (74 mph or 119 kph) could reach a specific area within 36 hours. This is your cue to fill your car's gas tank and begin fortifying your home:

Here are four more essential hurricane preparedness tips to help you prepare for the storm:

Should You Stay in a Hurricane Zone or Evacuate?

If you've been preparing since the hurricane watch was issued, you should be ready to head out as soon as the evacuation order comes through. Delaying could mean getting stuck in heavy traffic. Try to minimize what you pack—only the essentials are needed.

If possible, disconnect major appliances (to reduce the risk of electrical shock when power is restored) and shut off gas, water, and electricity before leaving. Don’t forget to bring important documents—like IDs, insurance papers, and wills—and any medications you may need.

The further you drive, the more likely you are to encounter traffic congestion, so aim for the closest possible evacuation destination. Ideally, you’d stay with a friend or relative who’s within your area and doesn’t need to evacuate. In many cases, it’s enough to get away from the storm surge.

If you have space in your vehicle, pack your disaster supply kit (we’ll cover that shortly). If you end up in a shelter, be prepared for varying conditions that you may encounter.

If evacuation isn’t necessary—or if you simply can’t leave—you may decide to stay and weather the storm at home. Above all, remember that most hurricane-related injuries are caused by flying debris and shattered glass, so avoid going outside, even if it seems calm. You might be in the eye of the storm and at risk when the winds return.

Before heading to your safe room, fill bathtubs and any available containers with water (which can be used for washing or flushing toilets). Consider leaving one bathtub empty as it can provide a safe space if you cover yourself with blankets or plywood. If you're stuck in a building flooding, head to the highest available level—but avoid climbing into a closed attic, as rising water could trap you.

Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Even 6 inches (15 cm) of rapidly moving water can knock you over. One foot (30 cm) of moving water is enough to sweep your car away. Turn around and take an alternate route [source: Ready.gov].

Additional Ways to Prepare

Securing your home is crucial, but it’s just one part of getting ready for a hurricane. Even if your house is fortified, there’s still a possibility you’ll need to leave or be stuck inside without power for an extended period. This means you’ll need a solid family plan and a well-stocked emergency supply kit.

Family Emergency Plan

Here are the key elements to include in a family hurricane preparedness plan:

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Your emergency supply kit should contain the following items [source: Ready.gov]:

Once you've secured your home, planned your strategy, and packed your emergency kit, you're almost done. Just remember to check your supplies and replace the batteries at the beginning of each hurricane season, so you'll be prepared and able to act quickly if a tropical storm heads your way.

Don't Forget About Your Pets

If you're evacuating with your pets, be sure to bring their leashes, collars, carriers, vaccination records, food, water, and bowls. Know where the nearest pet-friendly shelters and accommodations are located.

Post-Hurricane Tips

As tempting as it may be to venture outside and assess the damage, you should wait until the authorities issue an "all-clear" signal.

"Safety is always the most important concern. Only go outside when it's safe; follow the advice of the National Weather Service and local emergency officials," said Eric R. Alberts, corporate director of emergency preparedness at Orlando Health, in an email. "If the all-clear is given, remain vigilant as there will be numerous hazards, including: damage, downed power lines, broken glass, debris, and tree limbs."

If you're starting the cleanup process, take precautions and wear protective clothing, shoes, gloves, and goggles. Avoid touching electrical equipment if it’s wet or you're standing in water. Switch off the power at the main breaker. Also, steer clear of floodwater—there may be hidden hazards like downed power lines or debris. Open the windows to speed up drying (if it's safe to do so).

Phone lines may be down or overloaded during this time. Use text or social media to contact loved ones. Take photos or videos to document any property damage, and report it to your insurance agent as soon as possible.

After being without power for some time, carefully check the food in your freezer to determine whether it's still safe to consume. Avoid drinking tap water until you're instructed to do so by the authorities. Until then, boil water for at least one minute or use water purification tablets.

If you're using a portable gas-powered generator, ensure it's placed outside on a flat, dry surface. Never operate it indoors, and never refuel it while it’s running.

Preparing During the Offseason

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest likelihood of storms occurring between mid-August and late October. In the Eastern Pacific, the season starts earlier on May 15 and continues through November 30.

If you reside in an area prone to hurricanes, you might believe your home is already prepared to withstand a storm. While that might be true, you don’t want to learn the hard way that it’s not. Never assume your home is secure — it's your responsibility to ensure everything is properly fortified. And don't leave this critical task until a hurricane is approaching in late August. Use the offseason to consider these important questions:

If your windows aren’t protected yet, now is the time to secure them. Store any protective covers where they’re easily accessible. Storm shutters, typically made from aluminum or steel, are the most dependable way to safeguard windows and doors. These shutters are mounted on the outside of your house and can be rolled down when a storm hits. If shutters are too expensive, measure your windows and glass doors, then have 5/8-inch-thick plywood (1.6 centimeters) cut to fit them.

High winds can easily knock over trees, especially if they’re near your home. Trim any overhanging branches or consider removing trees that pose a risk.

Homeowners Insurance and Flood Coverage

It’s essential to thoroughly read your homeowner’s insurance policy. Flood damage is typically not included, so if you live in a hurricane-prone area, you’ll likely need to purchase separate flood insurance through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).