September 25, 2024

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Last year, our little corner of Florida was hit hard by seasonal storms—hurricanes, storm surge, and historic rainfall. I’ve always been the type of person who likes to be prepared. Even when there’s little I can actually do, it gives me peace of mind to know I tried, however small those efforts might be. Over the years, I’ve collected tips and tricks for hurricane prep, and I thought I’d share them here in case they help even one person.

I know this isn’t my typical fashion content, but after such a rough 2024 season, I felt it might be helpful to share what I’ve learned and what has been helpful for me. So many of you are also at the mercy of Mother Nature during hurricane season, and a little preparation can make a huge difference.

Off-Season Hurricane Prep

Before diving into what to do during a hurricane, let’s talk about a few tasks you can take care of during the off-season (hurricane season is June 1-November 30). I’ve found these steps help me feel much more prepared when a storm does arise.

  • Pre-packed “to go” bag: Have a bag ready for the season. For items you don’t want sitting in the bag all six months (like passports), keep them in one place nearby so they’re easy to grab.
  • Restock supplies in January: Demand will be low, so it’s the perfect time to replace or refill what you need. You’ll be ready well before hurricane season starts.
  • Protect keepsakes: Store cherished items higher up and in waterproof boxes. That way, if you’re out of town and can’t prep before a storm, they’re more likely to survive.
  • Digitize important items: Scan photographs, mementos, and documents so you have digital backups.
  • Optional but smart: If you want to be really prepared, consider investing in satellite internet. Chances are you’ll lose power and Wi-Fi for days.

Note: I also recommend doing steps 1–3 in the next section during the off-season. I’ve only listed them under “Things to Do Whether You Plan to Evacuate or Not” so I can go into more detail about each one.

Things to Do Whether You Plan to Evacuate or Not

I’m going to break this post into two parts: what to do if you evacuate and what to do if you stay. But first, let’s go over a hurricane preparedness list that everyone should follow—no matter what. These steps apply whether you’re riding out the storm or heading out of town.

That said, it’s important to emphasize: if you’re in real danger, evacuate. Always listen to local authorities and take their precautions seriously. The deadliest part of current hurricanes is water – both surge and flash flooding from rainfall. If either of these are at play always err on the side of caution.

1. Know your evacuation routes and local shelters.

Study your evacuation routes and flood zone and take note of the nearest shelters. Download any apps that provide emergency alerts, and sign up for your county or city’s email and text notifications—do this now, not when a storm is already on the way. Getting familiar with these tools in advance is essential, so you’re prepared when it matters most.

2. Take videos and photos of everything you own—inside and outside your home.

Photograph each room, every closet, every appliance (model and serial numbers if possible) and even the contents of drawers. Don’t forget to take pictures of your vehicles and odometer if you plan on leaving them behind (though, if possible, take all vehicles with you).

The key is to do this before storm season, not when a hurricane is already on the radar. I personally keep images and videos of my home organized by room and saved to Dropbox, so I know this step is done if we ever face a last-minute emergency.

And take these photos even if you don’t have insurance. In some cases, if an incident can be traced back to an at-fault party, you may still be able to recoup some or all of your losses through a lawsuit.

3. Download insurance and banking apps, keep your logins handy, and stay alert for scams.

Be ready to file a claim as soon as possible. Adjusters respond in the order claims are received, so acting quickly can make a difference. If you’re unsure about the full extent of the damage, err on the side of caution and claim the most—you can always adjust your claim later.

After a storm, scams run rampant. Never sign anything in haste, and don’t accept relief handouts that require a signature or waiver. Only communicate with your insurance company or official U.S. government agencies. Always ask for identification or business cards to confirm who you’re dealing with.

Avoid hiring a private adjuster unless you feel it’s absolutely necessary—and only after speaking directly with your assigned adjuster first.

4. Prepare your home as much as possible.

Make sure your gutters and drainage pipes are clean and clear. Secure all outdoor furniture and anything that could turn into a flying hazard—plants, pots, and décor included. Bring items inside when you can, or, if you have a pool, you can even toss lightweight furniture in there to keep it from blowing away.

If you have hurricane shutters or window protection, put them up as soon as possible. And if you have the time and resources, use tarps and sandbags to cover doors and low windows for extra protection.

5. Purchase cleanup supplies before the storm hits.

If you have time before a storm, stock up on items you may need for cleanup afterward. These supplies are nearly impossible to find once the storm has passed.

My list includes:

  • Construction-grade trash bags
  • Large clear bins and water resistant moving bags (these are the best)
  • A squeegee (for windows)
  • Disposable gloves and heavy-duty gloves
  • Bleach (at least 4–5 gallons)
  • Tarps (to cover damaged areas or to drag debris curbside—pile everything on top and pull)
  • Fans and dehumidifiers if possible

And please, be community-minded. If you end up with extra supplies after the storm, share them with neighbors or donate them. Don’t hoard.

6. Check on your neighbors.

Speaking of neighbors, be sure to check in on them. It’s something that can be easily overlooked in the chaos of an approaching storm. Ask if they need help. Lend a hand. Ask what their plan is so you can check back in. It’s easy to put your head down and focus on your own prep, but a neighbor may need you more than you know.

During the past few storms, my family and I have helped elderly neighbors bring things inside, as well as neighbors who were out of town and couldn’t get home in time. People always seem to come together after the storms, but remember—it’s just as important to come together before.

Things to Do if You Evacuate

Now that I’ve covered general hurricane preparedness tips, let’s move on to what to do if you decide to evacuate.

1. Leave early, and take important documents along with other necessities.

As I mentioned earlier, pay close attention to the news and local authorities, and if you plan to evacuate, leave as early as you can. Be sure to bring your important documents—especially ones you cannot access online, like your passport, will, and social security card. (Most other documents can usually be printed from online accounts later if needed.)

Other items I’d bring when evacuating:

  • Clothes for one week
  • Multiple pairs of shoes
  • Prescriptions and medications
  • Contacts/eyeglasses
  • Computers and hard drives
  • Sentimental items that fit in the car (artwork, keepsakes, etc.)
  • High-value items such as jewelry, bags, etc. (even if I don’t keep them, they could be resold if needed)
  • All child necessities they will need but also items that will make them feel safe and secure such as their favorite toys, blanket etc.
  • All pet necessities—food, meds, and Penny’s favorite things
  • All sets of car keys, plus any other keys you might need (storage unit, etc.)

And here’s a quick tip if you’re scrambling: if you don’t know what clothes to grab, take your dirty laundry basket. You know those items fit, and they’re seasonally appropriate.

2. Immediately stop for gas and take out cash.

Even if your tank isn’t close to empty, fill it up right away. Also stop at a bank or ATM and withdraw as much cash as you can. Hopefully you’ll be evacuating to an area that still has power, but storms can shift quickly. If you lose power, ATMs won’t work and stores won’t be able to process credit cards.

3. Move items up high & decide whether to cut power

If storm surge or flooding is a concern in your home, move everything up as high as possible before evacuating. Don’t forget the small but important things tucked away in low drawers.

One tough decision you’ll need to make is whether to cut the power or leave it on. In most cases, the power will eventually cut out on its own. But if it doesn’t, and high water comes into or around your home, you run the risk of fire and/or damage to things like your pool pump and AC unit. These have a better chance of surviving if they’re not running when submerged.

What to Do If You Choose to Stay

Again, you should ONLY stay if you are outside of an evacuation zone and it is truly safe to do so. If that’s the case, here’s the checklist I follow when riding out a hurricane at home.

1. Get cash.

Once the power goes out, ATMs won’t work and grocery stores won’t be able to process credit cards.

2. Wear clothing that keeps you safe.

Choose clothing that makes it safer to move around in a dangerous situation—sturdy shoes, full-length pants, a raincoat, etc. Even though it may be hot, I prefer long pants and long sleeves so my arms and legs are somewhat protected from cuts and scratches while moving things or clearing debris.

3. Be familiar with your home.

Know where the safest place in your home is in case of high winds or a tornado. It should be structurally sound with few or no windows—typically an interior bathroom, and always on the first floor.

On the contrary, in the case of storm surge, know where you can go to get to higher ground. If you’re in your home during an unexpected surge, think about how you can move up safely. Never go to a high point with no escape—like an attic—because if the water rises that high, you could become trapped and drown.

And if you are in an evacuation zone for a surge, listen and evacuate. No exceptions. Surge is deadly.

4. Prep your vehicle.

Fill your car with gas as soon as possible. If you can, move it to higher ground in a parking garage—but not too high, where it could be more exposed to wind. In my area, most garages are free during an incoming storm. I usually park my cars there about two days before landfall, aiming for a spot on the second or third floor, tucked inside and away from direct wind. Then I Uber back home.

Note: this does mean if I suddenly need to evacuate, I don’t have a car at my house. Have a backup plan in place if you choose this option.

5. Charge everything.

Charge every electronic device to 100%, and fully charge all external power banks. Those external chargers may end up being the thing you rely on most. Also, stock up on extra batteries for anything you might need.

6. Prep your doors.

Tarp and sandbag all doors if possible, leaving just one (preferably on the highest ground) clear in case you need to get out.

7. Store water.

Fill anything and everything you can with water. For example, you may need to use water from your bathtub to flush toilets. I keep collapsible water cubes for storage, as well as large Home Depot buckets.

8. Fill your prescriptions.

Make sure all prescriptions are filled ahead of time. If you use medical devices that require electricity, plan now for how you’ll keep them powered during an outage. If you have a serious medical condition and/or do rely on medical equipment it is safest to evacuate out of an abundance of caution.

9. Prepare to be without power.

Think ahead about anything in your home that relies on electricity. For example, if you have an electric driveway gate, open it and prop it open before the storm. For garage doors, I would keep them closed, but make sure you know how to manually release and open them after the storm has passed.

10. Stock up on hurricane essentials.

Some basics I recommend having on hand:

  • Crank radio
  • First aid kit and basic medical supplies
  • Flashlights (both crank and battery-operated)
  • Plenty of extra batteries
  • Solar-powered lights or lanterns (these are especially helpful post-storm)

11. Have a fire extinguisher.

When electrical systems get wet, they can spark dangerous fires. If water starts rising inside your home, cut the power immediately. Also keep an eye on outdoor electrical items like your AC unit or pool pump—if you see them starting to flood, flip the breaker for those specific systems right away. Always have a fire extinguisher on-hand, just in case.

12. Have a communication plan.

Set a plan for how you’ll communicate with family if the power goes out for multiple days. This way, you’re not constantly draining your phone battery by checking in. For example, agree on a cadence: “I’ll text you every six hours on the hour.” That way, they won’t worry if they don’t hear from you in between.

To conserve power, switch your phone settings so websites and emails load in HTML mode—it uses less battery than full display.

13. Stock up on non-perishable foods.

Buy non-perishable items. Most people suggest granola bars, protein bars, etc.—honestly, all of these are gross to me 😂, but I still stock them anyway.

If you have a propane stove, you can cook soups, pasta, and more even without power or water. Just remember: the propane will still work, but the electric starter won’t, so you’ll need a lighter wand. Do not try to light it with matches—it’s not safe.

14. Try to maintain a cool fridge.

Freeze water bottles ahead of time. Once the power goes out, move them into your fridge to help keep food cold as long as possible. And only open the fridge when absolutely necessary.

15. Purchase disposable plates and utensils.

I always buy paper plates and plastic utensils. If the power and water go out, you don’t want to waste precious water washing dishes—and you definitely don’t want dirty dishes piling up in a hot house with no AC. Trust me, hot dirty dishes are disgusting in the middle of a disaster.

16. Invest in a small tool kit.

It’s helpful to keep a small toolkit handy—A Leatherman, hammer, and other basics can go a long way. I am the LEAST handy, but I like to be prepared.

Other tools I keep inside, all in one easily accessible area:

  • Battery-powered generator
  • Sump pump for water
  • Hand saw
  • Extension cords
  • Gorilla tape
  • Tarps
  • Staple gun
  • Outdoor work gloves

You never know what you might end up needing. Also, if you buy something new in preparation for a storm—like a tool or external charger—take the time beforehand to learn how it works. The last thing you want is to be fumbling with directions after the power’s already out or in the middle of panic.

17. Prepare your pool.

If you have a pool that could overflow and flood a structure, know how the reverse system works. I usually lower my pool about 8 inches before a big rain event. Don’t lower it too much, but dropping it slightly will buy you some time.

18. Move lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries and water do not mix. Move them to higher ground in a cool, dry place. If that’s not possible, get them as far away from your house (and other homes) as you can. Once they ignite, they are almost impossible to put out. If your car has a lithium battery and you keep it near your home or in your garage and surge hits, you run the risk of lighting your house on fire. You can buy a lithium-specific fire extinguisher, but from what I’ve read, their effectiveness is mixed.

18. Clean bedding and towels.

Wash all sheets, towels, and linens ahead of time. If your AC goes out, even mildly dirty items will start to smell. Having everything fresh and clean will make you more comfortable.

19. Lower your AC.

Drop your AC way down before the storm arrives, and afterward only open windows and doors when absolutely necessary to help keep your house cool.

20. Use waterproof storage containers.

I keep large waterproof moving bags to consolidate items on the ground so I can move them higher, or use them post-storm to carry out non-wet items. Plastic bins work great too—but know they’re nearly impossible to find after a storm, when everyone is scrambling to save what they can.

21. Clean and declutter.

Have your house as clean and clutter-free as possible. If the power goes out, you’ll want clear pathways to doors and rooms. Toss out any trash or recycling before the storm, since without AC, odors set in quickly.

22. Prep an evacuation bag.

This is the worst-case scenario, but if you suddenly need to leave, you’ll be glad you packed a waterproof evacuation bag. Keep it light enough to carry yourself, and include only essentials—medications, glasses or contacts, a clean change of clothes, and your most important documents. Move all remaining valuables as high up as possible in your home.

Things can change in the blink of an eye. Have a plan for how you’ll get out if needed, and wear something that makes you visible in a rescue situation. Bright or neon colors are best. I always wear a neon pink long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and a headlamp.

Important Note About Preparing for a Hurricane

Whether you decide to evacuate or hunker down, practice a full walk-through of these steps at the beginning of hurricane season. This makes sure you know how to execute them, can locate what you need, and have time to purchase anything you’re missing. Do you know where your electrical panel is? The breaker for the AC? Do you know how your pool’s reverse/overflow system works if the pool starts to rise and you don’t have an automatic setup? Run through every single detail.

Here are some of the sites and apps I rely on for up-to-date info before, during, and after a storm:

A Few Post-Storm Tips

After the storm, remember to NEVER walk in high floodwaters. Downed power lines can electrocute you, and the water will likely be contaminated with sewage and dangerous bacteria.

Also, never run a gas generator indoors—it’s extremely dangerous and can be deadly. If you’re operating a generator, do so safely and follow instructions carefully to avoid fires and other hazards.

When you return home or once the storm has passed, document everything right away. Take photos and videos of all damage immediately and file a claim as soon as possible. Be sure to capture details like water lines and other proof of damage, even if it’s not to replaceable goods.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, hurricanes are unpredictable, but being prepared helps me feel a little more in control. Even the smallest steps can give you peace of mind when everything feels uncertain. My hope is that some of these tips help you feel a little more ready. Stay safe, friends.

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