Hurricane Preparation Checklist: Protect Your Home Before the Storm

Complete hurricane preparation checklist for homeowners: 72hr, 48hr, and 24hr timelines, supply lists, evacuation planning, and post-storm re-entry steps.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist: Protect Your Home Before the Storm

Hurricanes give you something most disasters do not: warning time. When a storm is on track toward your area, you typically have 24 to 72 hours to prepare. How you use that time can be the difference between minor damage and a catastrophic loss. This hurricane preparation checklist gives you a clear, time-based action plan so nothing gets forgotten. We have broken it down by how far out you are from landfall, so you know exactly what to focus on—and when.

Why Hurricane Prep Starts Before Hurricane Season

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before a storm is in the forecast. Many of the most effective protective measures—installing hurricane shutters, reinforcing your garage door, getting flood insurance—require time and planning that you simply will not have when a storm is 48 hours away. Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1 through November 30. Ideally, complete your annual preparedness review by May 31. Think of this as your year-round hurricane preparation checklist—not just a last-minute scramble.

Pre-season prep tasks:

Review your homeowners, flood, and wind insurance policies Stock your emergency supply kit Trim trees and large branches near the house Install or inspect hurricane shutters, impact-resistant windows, and garage door bracing Know your evacuation zone and plan your route Create a digital backup of all important documents Test your generator and sump pump Install a sump pump with battery backup if you do not have one

72 Hours Before Landfall: Start Getting Ready

When a hurricane watch is issued for your area, that means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. If a watch is issued, begin your preparation immediately—do not wait for a warning.

Protect Your Home Structure

Close and secure hurricane shutters — If you have them, now is the time to deploy them. If not, use pre-cut ⅝-inch plywood boards fastened with bolts every 12 inches to cover windows. Reinforce your garage door — Garage doors are one of the weakest points in a home during a hurricane. Install a bracing kit or use a wind-rated door rated for the wind speeds expected in your area. Secure or bring in all outdoor items — Patio furniture, grills, planters, decorations, toys, and trash cans all become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Bring them inside or tie them down securely. Check your roof — Look for any loose or missing shingles and have them repaired before the storm arrives. Seal gaps around doors and windows — Check weatherstripping and caulk and replace anything that is cracked or missing.

Prepare for Flooding

Inspect gutters and downspouts — Clear any debris so water can drain freely away from your foundation. Test your sump pump — Pour water into the pit and confirm the pump activates. If you have a battery backup, test that too. Consider sandbags — If you live in an area prone to storm surge or street flooding, contact your local emergency management office about sandbag availability. Move valuables and electronics to upper floors, away from flood-prone areas like the basement. Elevate water heaters, HVAC units, and electrical panels if they are in flood-prone areas of your home.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Assemble two kits: a Go-Kit for evacuation and a Stay-at-Home Kit if you shelter in place.

Go-Kit (3-day portable kit):

Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day) Non-perishable food for 3 days Prescription medications (at least 1-month supply) First-aid kit Flashlights and extra batteries Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio Phone charger and portable power bank Cash in small denominations (ATMs may not work) Local maps in case GPS fails Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag Change of clothes and rain gear Whistle to signal for help

Stay-at-Home Kit (2-week supply):

2 weeks of food and water All of the above, in larger quantities Manual can opener Portable generator (with extra fuel stored safely) Extra medication Pet food, supplies, and carriers

48 Hours Before Landfall: Finalize Preparations

At the 48-hour mark, a hurricane warning may be issued—meaning conditions are expected within 36 hours. This is your final window to complete all preparations.

Protect Your Documents

Keep a waterproof bag or container with these items ready to grab: Government-issued IDs (driver's license, passport) Social Security cards Insurance policies (homeowners, flood, wind, health) Property deed or mortgage documents Birth certificates and marriage certificate Medical records and prescription information Financial account numbers Vehicle titles and registration Recent photos of your home and possessions (for insurance purposes) Emergency contact list If you have not already digitized these documents, photograph them now and store them in a cloud account.

Fill Up Everything

Gas tank — Fill your vehicle now. Gas stations run out quickly when a storm approaches. Portable gas containers — Fill them for your generator, but store them safely away from the home. Bathtubs and water containers — If a boil notice or water supply disruption is possible, fill bathtubs and containers with clean water. Prescription medications — Pick up any refills now; pharmacies may close. Cash — Withdraw money now; ATMs may run out or lose power.

Shut Down Utilities If Evacuating

If you are leaving your home: Turn off the main water supply to prevent pipe damage Shut off gas at the meter (only do this if you know how; consult your gas company) Unplug major appliances Set your thermostat to a lower temperature to reduce mold risk if you lose power

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Evacuation zones are assigned by local emergency management. Know your zone before hurricane season—do not wait until a storm is hours away to find out. Know your route — Have both a primary and alternate route planned Know where you are going — Identify an out-of-town destination or approved shelter Arrange pet accommodations — Many emergency shelters do not accept pets; identify pet-friendly hotels or shelters in advance Notify out-of-state contact — Designate one person outside the area as a family communication hub

24 Hours Before Landfall: Final Steps

At this point, you should be nearly fully prepared. Use the last 24 hours to: Double-check all shutters and board-ups are secured Move vehicles into a garage or park them away from trees Charge all phones, tablets, and power banks Make a final check of your Go-Kit and Stay-at-Home Kit Confirm your evacuation plan if authorities have issued an order Review emergency broadcast channels and weather apps Check on neighbors, elderly relatives, and anyone who may need help If an evacuation order is issued for your zone, LEAVE. No possession is worth your life. Evacuate early—waiting until the last minute means driving in worsening conditions with everyone else on the road.

During the Storm: What to Do

If you are sheltering in place: Stay indoors and away from windows Use your safest room — an interior room on the lowest floor that is not likely to flood, or on an upper floor away from storm surge Keep your emergency radio on for updates Do not go outside during a lull — that may be the eye of the storm, and conditions will worsen again Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors — carbon monoxide poisoning is a major cause of post-hurricane deaths

Post-Storm Re-Entry: What to Check Before Going Back In

When conditions are safe and officials give the all-clear, return home cautiously.

Before entering your home:

Walk the perimeter and look for structural damage, downed power lines, or fallen trees Do not enter if the structure looks compromised Do not touch downed power lines—stay at least 30 feet away and call the utility company Smell for gas before entering; if you detect gas, do not enter and call the gas company from outside Check for standing water inside before walking in

Inside the home:

Do not turn the power back on if any circuits, outlets, or appliances were flooded—have a licensed electrician inspect first Check gas appliances and water heater for damage Photograph all damage before cleaning anything Open windows to ventilate if safe to do so Begin water removal immediately if there is flooding Contact your insurance company to start the claims process

Hurricane Preparation Checklist: Quick Reference

Pre-Season (Before June 1)

• [ ] Review all insurance policies
• [ ] Test generator and sump pump
• [ ] Install hurricane shutters or cut plywood boards
• [ ] Trim trees near the house
• [ ] Identify your evacuation zone and route
• [ ] Digitize important documents

72 Hours Before

• [ ] Deploy hurricane shutters or board up windows
• [ ] Secure or move all outdoor furniture and objects
• [ ] Assemble Go-Kit and Stay-at-Home Kit
• [ ] Test sump pump
• [ ] Move valuables to upper floors

48 Hours Before

• [ ] Fill gas tank, water containers, and fuel cans
• [ ] Pick up medications and withdraw cash
• [ ] Gather important documents in waterproof bag
• [ ] Confirm evacuation plan and destination
• [ ] Shut off utilities if evacuating

24 Hours Before

• [ ] Final check of all shutters and boards
• [ ] Charge all devices
• [ ] Confirm family communication plan
• [ ] Evacuate if ordered

After the Storm

• [ ] Wait for official all-clear before returning
• [ ] Check structure and utilities before entering
• [ ] Document all damage before cleanup
• [ ] Contact insurance company
• [ ] Begin water removal and drying immediately

Get Restoration Help If Your Home Is Damaged

Even with the best preparation, hurricanes can cause serious damage. If your home sustains storm or flood damage, fast action is critical. Mold grows within 24 to 48 hours, and structural damage can worsen with every passing day. Restore Near Me connects homeowners with certified storm damage repair and flood restoration professionals across hurricane-prone regions. Whether you need emergency tarping, water extraction, full reconstruction, or mold remediation, our directory helps you find qualified help fast. Search Restore Near Me now to find a storm damage restoration professional near you.