Hurricane preparation should begin before a storm appears on the forecast. Once a watch or warning is issued, stores may become crowded, fuel may be harder to find and there may not be enough time to solve gaps in your household plan.

This hurricane preparedness checklist brings the essentials together in one place: risk awareness, evacuation planning, water, food, medications, power-outage supplies, communication, documents, pet needs, personal hygiene and after-storm safety.

Quick Answer: What Should Be on a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist?

A complete hurricane preparedness checklist should include:

• A household emergency and communication plan
• Your evacuation zone, destination and at least two routes
• Several days of water and nonperishable food
• Prescription medications and first-aid supplies
• Flashlights, batteries, radio and backup phone power
• Important documents protected from water
• Cash and a full tank of gas
• Clothing, bedding and personal-care items
• Portable hygiene and sanitation supplies
• Supplies for children, older adults, disabilities and medical needs
• Food, water, medication and carriers for pets
• A plan for securing your home
• A go-bag for evacuation and a stay-at-home supply kit

Use the detailed checklist below to customize these categories for every person and animal in your household.

Important: Follow current instructions from local emergency management, the National Weather Service and public-safety officials. If authorities order an evacuation, leave promptly. A checklist supports official guidance; it does not replace it.

1. Know Your Hurricane Risk Before the Season Starts

Hurricanes can affect communities through high winds, storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, power outages and disrupted water service. Your risk depends on more than your distance from the coast.

Before hurricane season:

• Find out whether your home is in an evacuation or storm-surge zone.
• Learn your area’s flood risk.
• Identify nearby shelters and confirm whether they accept pets.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Save your county emergency-management website and phone number.
• Review the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
• Ask your insurer what your policy covers, including wind and flood damage.

NOAA advises households to understand their risk and begin pre-season preparations before a storm threatens. The National Weather Service also recommends completing core planning before Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1.

2. Make a Household Evacuation Plan

Do not wait for an evacuation order to decide where you will go.

Your plan should answer five questions:

1. Where will we go? Choose a safe destination outside the evacuation area, such as a hotel, shelter or the home of family or friends.
2. How will we get there? Map a primary route and at least one alternative.
3. What will we take? Prepare portable go-bags before a storm forms.
4. How will we communicate? Choose an out-of-area contact and make sure every household member has the number.
5. What will we do with pets? Confirm transportation and pet-friendly lodging or shelter options in advance.

Keep your vehicle maintained and try not to let the fuel level fall too low during hurricane season. If evacuation becomes likely, charge devices, pack the vehicle early and leave when local officials tell you to go.

Never ignore an evacuation order because the weather appears calm. Conditions can change, and routes may become congested or unsafe.

3. Build Two Kits: A Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit

One container may not meet every emergency need.

Evacuation go-kit

Your go-kit should be portable enough to carry and should contain essential supplies for leaving home quickly. The American Red Cross recommends planning a go-kit with at least three days of supplies.

Include:

• Water and portable food
• Medications
• Copies of important documents
• Phone chargers and power banks
• Flashlight and batteries
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Weather radio
• Clothing and sturdy shoes
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Face coverings or dust masks
• Cash
• Pet essentials

Stay-at-home hurricane kit

Your home supply kit should support a longer interruption in electricity, water, shopping and transportation. The Red Cross recommends planning for a two-week stay-at-home supply when possible.

Store supplies in a cool, dry and accessible location known to everyone in the household. Avoid keeping the entire kit in an area likely to flood.

4. Hurricane Supplies Checklist

Use this hurricane supplies checklist as the core of your emergency kit.

Water

• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days.
• Include extra water for pregnancy, medical needs, hot conditions and pets.
• Use food-grade water containers.
• Replace stored water according to the container or manufacturer guidance.
• Keep water for drinking and sanitation.

Ready.gov recommends at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Local authorities may recommend storing more, so check guidance for your area.

Food

• Several days of nonperishable food
• Manual can opener
• Foods your household will actually eat
• Infant formula or special-diet foods when needed
• Pet food
• Disposable plates and utensils
• Safe method for preparing food without normal utilities

Choose items that require little water, cooking or refrigeration. Rotate food before it expires.

Lighting, communication and power

• Flashlights or headlamps
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• NOAA Weather Radio if available
• Fully charged power banks
• Car charger
• Backup batteries for essential devices
• Printed contact list
• Whistle for signaling

Avoid relying only on your phone. Cellular service, internet access and household power may be interrupted.

First aid, medication and health needs

• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Copies of prescriptions
• Medication list and allergy information
• Over-the-counter medicines used by your household
• Eyeglasses, contact-lens supplies and hearing-aid batteries
• Medical identification information
• Backup plan for refrigerated medication
• Backup power plan for medical equipment

Talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before hurricane season if someone depends on electricity, refrigerated medicine, oxygen or other specialized care.

Tools and practical supplies

• Multipurpose tool
• Work gloves
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Wrench or pliers if recommended for utility shutoff
• Waterproof matches or lighter stored safely
• Garbage bags and ties
• Paper towels
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Local maps

Know how and when to shut off utilities, but do so only when advised or when it is clearly necessary and safe.

5. Add Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies

Power and water outages can make ordinary handwashing, bathing, drying and laundry difficult. Add a compact hygiene section to both your go-kit and your stay-at-home supplies.

Consider packing:

• Soap or portable soap sheets
• Compressed towels
• Disposable bath and facial towels
• Rinse-free body-cleaning supplies
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Menstrual products
• Diapers or incontinence products when needed
• Disposable gloves
• Heavy-duty trash bags
• Spare underwear and clothing

For a detailed product-by-product list, read Best Hurricane Hygiene Products: What to Keep in Your Emergency Kit. That supporting guide explains how compressed towels, soap sheets, rinse-free sponges and disposable towels can help when normal plumbing or laundry is unavailable.

Compact Care’s Ready Kits group portable hygiene products for outages, evacuation bags and travel. For an individual emergency setup, the Personal Emergency Ready Bundle includes compressed towels, mobile soap sheets, rinse-free sponges, disposable bath towels and facial towels.

These products support hygiene during an outage; they do not replace drinking water, food, medication, first aid or official emergency supplies.

6. Protect Important Documents and Money

Place paper copies in a waterproof and portable container. You may also keep encrypted digital copies in a secure location.

Include:

• Government identification
• Insurance policies and contact information
• Medical information and prescriptions
• Emergency contacts
• Home inventory with photos
• Property records
• Vehicle information
• Pet vaccination records
• Bank and account contact details
• Local evacuation map

Keep small bills available because card terminals and ATMs may not work during a power or communications outage.

7. Prepare for Children, Older Adults and Disabilities

A generic hurricane emergency kit may not cover every person in the household.

Add supplies based on daily routines and support needs:

• Formula, bottles, diapers and comfort items for infants
• Games, books and familiar items for children
• Mobility aids and charging equipment
• Incontinence or caregiving supplies
• Communication boards or assistive devices
• Backup hearing-aid batteries
• Written instructions for medications and care
• Contact information for healthcare and home-care providers
• Equipment for service animals

If someone may need evacuation assistance, register with local emergency programs where available and create a backup transportation plan before a storm.

8. Prepare a Pet Hurricane Kit

Never leave pets behind when evacuating unless emergency officials specifically direct otherwise and provide a safe option.

Pack:

• Several days of food and water
• Bowls
• Medication
• Leash, harness and secure carrier
• Waste bags or litter supplies
• Vaccination and veterinary records
• Recent photo of you with your pet
• Identification tags and microchip information
• Familiar blanket or toy

The American Red Cross advises identifying pet-friendly lodging and animal shelters along evacuation routes ahead of time.

9. Secure Your Home Before a Hurricane

Complete structural improvements well before a storm. Last-minute work can be dangerous and supplies may sell out.

Review these tasks:

• Trim weak or dead branches using a qualified professional.
• Clear gutters and drains.
• Secure outdoor furniture, grills, planters and loose objects.
• Install tested hurricane shutters or approved window protection.
• Check doors, garage doors and roof condition.
• Move vehicles to a safer location when possible.
• Photograph the home and belongings for insurance records.
• Place valuable items above expected flood levels.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Set refrigerators and freezers colder before a likely outage.

Do not tape windows as a substitute for approved storm protection.

10. What to Do When a Hurricane Watch Is Issued

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible. Use that time to move from planning to action.

• Monitor official forecasts and local alerts.
• Review evacuation instructions and routes.
• Refill permitted medications.
• Fuel the vehicle.
• Charge phones and power banks.
• Withdraw a reasonable amount of cash.
• Bring outdoor objects inside.
• Confirm your destination and pet arrangements.
• Fill clean containers with water if local guidance recommends it.
• Place go-bags near the exit.
• Check on neighbors who may need assistance.

Avoid panic buying. A prebuilt kit lets you focus on the storm-specific instructions that matter most.

11. What to Do When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued

A warning means hurricane conditions are expected. Finish preparations immediately.

• Follow evacuation orders without delay.
• Keep devices and emergency alerts on.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors if sheltering.
• Use an interior room on the lowest level that is not at risk of flooding, following local guidance.
• Keep your emergency kit, shoes and flashlight close.
• Do not go outside during the eye of the storm; dangerous winds can return quickly from the opposite direction.
• Never use a generator, grill or fuel-burning device indoors.

Your safest location depends on storm surge, flooding, wind risk and the type of building. Follow instructions from local officials rather than applying one sheltering rule to every situation.

12. After the Hurricane: Safety Checklist

The storm passing does not mean every danger has ended.

• Wait for officials to say it is safe to return or go outside.
• Avoid floodwater and never drive through flooded roads.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Photograph damage before cleanup when safe.
• Do not enter a damaged building until it has been assessed.
• Follow boil-water notices and local instructions about water safety.
• Discard food that may be unsafe after a power outage.
• Wear protective clothing during cleanup.
• Watch for mold, contaminated water and displaced animals.
• Check on family, neighbors and pets.

Generator safety can save lives

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. The CDC advises operating portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet from the home and away from windows, doors and vents. Never run a generator in a home, garage, carport or other enclosed space. Use working carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup.

Printable Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Use this condensed list for a final household review:

Plan

• Know evacuation and flood zones
• Choose destination and backup route
• Sign up for alerts
• Create household communication plan
• Plan transportation and pet accommodation

Supplies

• Water
• Nonperishable food and manual can opener
• Medications and first aid
• Flashlights, batteries and radio
• Chargers and power banks
• Hygiene and sanitation supplies
• Clothing, bedding and sturdy shoes
• Cash and important documents
• Child, older-adult, disability and medical supplies
• Pet supplies

Home

• Secure outdoor objects
• Protect windows and doors
• Clear gutters and drains
• Test alarms
• Photograph property
• Charge devices and fuel vehicle

When a storm approaches

• Monitor official alerts
• Confirm evacuation decision
• Pack go-kits
• Contact family
• Follow local instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five most important hurricane preparedness steps?

Know your risk, make an evacuation plan, build emergency supply kits, protect your home and monitor official alerts. Complete these steps before a specific hurricane threatens your area.

What should be in a hurricane emergency kit?

A hurricane emergency kit should include water, nonperishable food, medications, first aid, flashlights, batteries, a radio, phone power, documents, cash, clothing, hygiene supplies and items needed by children, pets, older adults or people with disabilities.

How much water should I store for a hurricane?

Ready.gov recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. Store more when required for pets, health conditions, pregnancy or hot weather, and follow local recommendations.

How early should I prepare for hurricane season?

Begin before hurricane season rather than waiting for a named storm. Review supplies, insurance, evacuation routes and household needs at least annually and replace used or expired items throughout the year.

What is the difference between a hurricane watch and warning?

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected. Both require attention, but a warning means protective actions should be completed immediately.

Should I evacuate for every hurricane?

Follow orders from local authorities. Evacuation decisions depend on storm surge, flooding, building safety and local risk—not only the storm’s category. If an evacuation order is issued for your area, leave promptly.

What hygiene supplies should be included in a hurricane kit?

Pack soap, towels, oral-care items, toilet paper, waste bags and household-specific products such as diapers, menstrual supplies or incontinence care. Low-water and rinse-free products can be helpful during water or power outages.

Where should hurricane supplies be stored?

Store supplies in a dry, accessible place known to the household and outside areas likely to flood. Keep evacuation items in portable bags so they can be taken quickly.

Prepare Before the Forecast Becomes an Emergency

The most useful hurricane preparedness checklist is the one completed before shelves empty and roads become crowded. Build your plan, prepare separate evacuation and stay-at-home supplies, include every person and pet, and review the kit each year.

Food, water, medication, communication and safety come first. Personal hygiene supplies help your household stay clean and more comfortable when plumbing, showers or laundry are unavailable.

Compact Care is veteran-founded, field tested and ships from Florida. Explore Ready Kits for compact hygiene supplies designed for outages, evacuation bags and the messy days that can follow a storm.

This guide provides general preparedness information. Always follow current instructions from federal, state and local emergency authorities.