Hurricane season preparations are crucial to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Here’s a general timeline for hurricane preparations:

At the Start of Hurricane Season

• Stay informed: Monitor weather reports regularly and stay updated on the progress of any hurricane. Follow instructions and advisories from local authorities.
• Emergency supplies: Stock up on essential supplies such as non-perishable food, drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day for a few weeks), batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, medications, and personal hygiene items that are needed for hurricane season preparations.
• Evacuation plan: Determine if you live in an evacuation zone and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelter locations. Create a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate.
• Secure your home: Trim trees and shrubs near your property to minimize the risk of falling branches. Inspect your roof, windows, and doors for any damage and make necessary repairs. Reinforce or install storm shutters or get plywood to protect windows if living in a hurricane prone area.
• Review insurance coverage: Check your homeowners or renter’s insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for potential hurricane damage. Consider flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area. Some insurance companies do not cover damages incurred once a hurricane forms.

4-7 Days Before the Hurricane

• Document important information: Take photos or videos of your home and belongings for insurance purposes. Keep important documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records, in a waterproof container or digitally stored. Ensure that any vital documents are ready to be brought with you during an evacuation.
• Communication plan: Establish a communication plan with your family and friends. Share contact information and determine a designated out-of-town contact person who can serve as a central point of contact.

2-3 Days Before the Hurricane

[This is when you need to decide whether to evacuate or shelter in place.]

• Evacuation readiness: If you’re in an evacuation zone and decide to evacuate, start preparing your emergency kit, gather necessary documents, and pack essential items. Make arrangements for your pets, if applicable.
• Secure outdoor items: Bring inside or secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, or equipment that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Fuel and transportation: Fill up your vehicles with fuel and check their overall condition. If using public transportation for evacuation, familiarize yourself with schedules and evacuation procedures.
• Cash and ATMs: Withdraw some cash as ATMs may become inaccessible during power outages.

24-48 Hours Before the Hurricane

• Stay updated: Keep monitoring the latest weather updates and advisories. Follow instructions from local authorities regarding evacuations or any other safety measures.
• Timing evacuation: Remember that hurricanes intensify faster now that oceans are warmer.
• Finalize preparations: If you decide to or are directed to evacuate, complete your evacuation preparations. This includes packing essential items, securing your home, and informing your designated contacts of your plans.
• Emergency supplies: Double-check your emergency supplies, ensuring you have enough food, water, medication, and other necessities for at least 2 weeks.
• Charge devices: Charge all your electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and portable chargers. Consider investing in a battery-powered or hand-cranked weather radio.

During the Hurricane

• Stay indoors: Once the hurricane arrives, stay indoors and away from windows. Listen to weather updates and instructions from local authorities. Use flashlights instead of candles if the power goes out.
• Avoid flooded areas: Stay away from flood-prone areas, streams, rivers, and coastal areas. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.

After the Hurricane

• Safety first: Wait until authorities announce it is safe to go outside. Be cautious of downed power lines, debris, and potential hazards.
• Check for damage: Inspect your home for any damage and take photos for insurance claims if necessary. Contact your insurance company to report any damage.
• Recovery and assistance: Follow any instructions given by local authorities regarding clean-up and recovery efforts. Seek assistance if needed and help your community in any way you can.

Remember, this timeline is a general guideline for hurricane season preparations, and the specific preparations and timelines can vary depending on the severity and track of the hurricane and the recommendations of local authorities. It’s important to stay informed and follow the instructions provided by your local emergency management agency. The FEMA basic preparedness check list is located here: basic_preparedness.pdf (fema.gov) .