Hurricane Checklist

A before, during and after hurricane checklist to protect your home, supplies and family.

Published June 22, 2026

Before: Prepare Your Home

Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood
Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills and loose items
Clear gutters, drains and downspouts of debris
Trim trees and remove dead branches near the house
Move valuables and electronics to higher floors
Helps protect them if flooding reaches the lower level
Know how to shut off water, gas and electricity

Before: Stock Supplies

Store one gallon of water per person per day for several days
Keep a three-day or longer supply of non-perishable food
Fill prescriptions and stock a first aid kit
Charge phones and power banks and gather flashlights
Get cash in small bills in case card systems are down
Fill bathtubs and containers with water for cleaning and flushing

Before: Plan to Evacuate

Know your evacuation zone and at least two routes out
Fuel your vehicles and check tires before roads fill up
Pack a go-bag for each person, plus pets and medications
Identify pet-friendly shelters or lodging in advance
Leave early if an evacuation order is issued

During: Stay Safe Indoors

Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors
Shelter in an interior room on the lowest safe floor
Keep a battery or hand-crank radio on for official updates
Do not go outside during the calm eye of the storm
Dangerous winds resume suddenly from the opposite direction
Turn off propane and unplug appliances if flooding nears
Avoid using candles; use flashlights to prevent fires

After: Assess Safely

Wait for the official all-clear before going outside
Stay away from downed power lines and report them
Never drive or walk through floodwater
Check for gas leaks, structural damage and contaminated water
Use generators only outdoors, far from windows and doors
Document damage with photos and contact your insurer

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A hurricane checklist organizes everything you need to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane. It covers preparing your home and supplies, deciding whether to evacuate, staying safe while the storm passes, and assessing damage afterward.

Hurricanes give some warning, so the time to prepare is when the forecast first shows a threat — not when the storm is hours away. Acting early means stores are still stocked and routes are still clear.

The list is split into Before, During and After so you always know which actions matter right now. Follow official orders first; this checklist supports them, it does not replace them.

Designed for families in storm-prone areas, this checklist is printable and downloadable as a PDF. Keep a copy with your kit and review it at the start of each hurricane season.

FAQ

When should I start preparing for a hurricane?

Begin as soon as a hurricane watch is issued, typically about 48 hours before tropical-storm conditions. Early action lets you buy supplies, fuel vehicles and secure your home while stores are stocked and roads are clear.

How much water and food should I store for a hurricane?

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day and a three-day supply of non-perishable food, per Ready.gov and FEMA. Aim for a week's worth, since utilities can stay out for days after a major storm.

Should I evacuate or stay home during a hurricane?

Always follow local evacuation orders. If officials tell you to leave, leave early using your planned route. If you can stay, shelter in an interior room away from windows on the lowest safe floor above flood level.

What should I do after a hurricane passes?

Wait for the official all-clear before going out. Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks and flooded roads, never drive through standing water, and document any damage with photos before cleanup.

Is this hurricane checklist printable?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF, keep it with your emergency kit, and check off each task as the storm approaches and passes.