Ultimate Hurricane Guide: 30 Steps to Prepare and Stay Safe

When a storm is on the horizon, preparation can make all the difference. Follow these steps to ensure your home and family are ready to weather the storm.

1. Store Water in Containers – Fill old water bottles and other containers with water. Keep these near sinks for washing hands and freeze extra water to keep food cold and provide a backup water supply.

2. Maximize Fridge Space with Tap Water – Fill every available container in your fridge with tap water. Keep sealed bottled water on the counter for easy access after the storm.

3. Fill Tubs, Sinks and Washing Machines – Fill every available tub, sink and your washing machine with water. Cover sinks with plastic wrap to keep dust out and leave the washing machine lid open so you can easily access stored water.

4. Charge Devices for Light and Backup Power – Fully charge all devices that provide light, including laptops, tablets and old phones (useful for dialing 911). Don’t forget to charge external battery packs and gather glow sticks, which can be placed in jars for makeshift lanterns.

5. Pre-Cook Perishable Foods – Cook meats and hard-boil eggs before the storm hits. Freeze any cooked meals – these will come in handy when power goes out.

6. Hydrate and Avoid Salty Snacks – Drink plenty of water before the storm arrives, and steer clear of salty foods that dehydrate you. Staying hydrated early on is crucial.

7. Wash Clothes and Bedding – Make sure all your laundry is clean. Dirty clothes and linens will smell quickly in the heat, especially without air conditioning.

8. Throw Out Expired Food and Trash – Clear out expired food from your fridge and pantry. Empty trash cans, including in bathrooms, and clean out cat litter boxes to prevent bad odors when the power and A/C go off.

9. Secure Outdoor Items – Bring in patio furniture, grills, yard decorations and anything that could turn into flying debris. Lock gates and secure hoses and potted plants.

10. Clean Bathrooms Thoroughly – Scrub your bathrooms and leave them fresh and odor-free. Place water-filled trash cans next to toilets for flushing when the water supply cuts off.

11. Organize Important Documents and Essentials – Pack important documents in waterproof sleeves and gather essentials like your wallet, phone, hand sanitizer, and snacks in a grab-and-go bag.

12. Stock Up on Pet Food and Water – Ensure you have enough pet food and water bowls filled for your pets. Set out extra water bowls in case your primary water supply runs out.

13. Refill Medications – Check your medication supply and refill anything that may run out during the storm. Many insurance plans allow emergency refills.

14. Lower Your A/C and Fridge Temperatures – Turn your A/C down and lower the temperature in your fridge before the storm. This helps keep your home and food cool for longer if the power goes out.

15. Gather Light Sources – Collect flashlights, candles, batteries, lighters, and matches, and keep them in an easily accessible spot for when darkness hits.

16. Clean Surfaces – Wipe down all your counters, mop floors and vacuum your home. Starting with a clean space helps when power outages stretch for days.

17. Designate a Safe Space for the Storm – Choose a safe spot, such as a closet under the stairs, to shelter during the height of the storm.

18. Shower Before the Storm – Get a good shower in before the storm hits. You’ll appreciate feeling clean, especially with no running water for days.

19. Run the Dishwasher – Make sure all dishes are clean before the storm. You’ll need every container for water storage, and dirty dishes will start to smell quickly without power.

20. Pack a Suitcase in Your Car – Prepare a suitcase with clothes and essentials in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget a jug of water for the trip and to pack for your pets too.

21. Unplug Electronics – Unplug all electronics before the storm hits. Power surges during and after the storm can cause damage to devices.

22. Fill Your Gas Tank – Fill up your car’s gas tank and have a spare gas container for your generator or vehicle. Gas stations may be closed or inaccessible after the storm.

23. Use Disposable Dishes – Switch to disposable plates, cups, and utensils to avoid using water for washing dishes.

24. Plan a Backup Toilet Strategy – Stick to the “if it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down” rule to conserve water.

25. Document Your Home Inventory – Take a video of each room in your house, including the contents of drawers and cabinets. This helps when filing an insurance claim post-storm.

26. Store Water in Drinking Cups – Fill every drinking cup with water, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. Use this water before opening any bottled supplies.

27. Freeze a Cup of Water with a Coin on Top – Freeze a cup of water and place a coin on top. If the coin sinks into the water, it means the freezer thawed, and your food may no longer be safe.

28. Gather Essential Supplies – Ensure you have enough cash, flashlights, batteries, lighters, and other essentials ready for when the storm arrives.

29. Check on Family and Neighbors – Coordinate emergency plans with your family and check in on elderly neighbors to ensure they’re prepared.

30. Radio – Have a battery-powered radio to get storm updates.

31. Solar-powered items – Buy a solar-powered generator, lightbulbs or phone charger in case of power outages after the storm.

32. Stock Up on Food – When preparing for a hurricane, it’s essential to stock up on non-perishable foods that are easy to store, require no refrigeration, and can be consumed without cooking if power goes out. Here are some good food items to buy for hurricane preparedness:

Canned Goods:

Canned beans, soups, chili, and stews

Canned fruits and vegetables

Canned fish (like tuna or salmon) and chicken

Canned pasta and ravioli

Canned beans (black beans, chickpeas)

Dry Goods:

Crackers, rice cakes, and pretzels

Instant oatmeal or dry cereal

Granola bars, protein bars, or energy bars

Nuts, seeds, and trail mix

Peanut butter or other nut butters

Shelf-Stable Packaged Foods:

Packaged tortillas or flatbreads

Ready-to-eat meals (like MREs or dehydrated meals)

Instant noodles or rice

Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, etc.)

Beverages:

Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days)

Shelf-stable milk (or plant-based milk alternatives)

Sports drinks or electrolyte beverages

Snack Foods:

Chips, popcorn, or cheese puffs

Jerky (beef, turkey, or plant-based)

Hard candies or chocolates (won’t melt if it’s not too hot)

Miscellaneous:

Condiments like salt, pepper, and sugar

Instant coffee or tea bags

Honey or jelly

These items ensure you have enough nutrition and variety without needing to rely on electricity or fresh groceries during and after a storm.

With these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the storm and its aftermath.

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