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June – November
Hurricane Season
Hurricane Prep Checklist 2026
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Most people wait until a storm is named — that's too late. Use this checklist to get ready now, before the season heats up.
📋 Before Hurricane Season Starts
- Look up your official hurricane evacuation zone at your county or city emergency management website
- Map two evacuation routes away from your home (one primary, one backup)
- Identify a destination: family out of the hurricane zone, a pet-friendly hotel, or a shelter
- Build or refresh your 72-hour emergency kit (see below)
- Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days
- Stock non-perishable food for 7 days — canned goods, freeze-dried meals, protein bars
- Check your homeowners or renters insurance covers wind and flood damage
- Document your valuables with photos or video for insurance claims
- Keep a minimum half-tank of gas in your car throughout hurricane season
🏠 Home Hardening Checklist
- Install storm shutters, or cut pre-measured plywood panels for every window and door
- Reinforce your garage door — it's the most vulnerable point in most homes
- Trim or remove dead trees and large branches near your home
- Anchor or store all outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations
- Clear your gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding
- Know how to turn off your electricity, gas, and water at the main shutoffs
- Check your roof and seal any loose shingles or flashing
- Fill bathtubs or a WaterBOB with emergency drinking water
⚡ When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued
- Monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) for official updates
- Charge all devices: phones, portable chargers, walkie-talkies
- Fill your gas tank and get cash — ATMs and pumps may go offline
- Install storm shutters or board up windows
- Move important documents (IDs, insurance, passports) to a waterproof bag
- If ordered to evacuate: leave immediately. Do not wait.
- If sheltering in place: stay away from windows, go to an interior room on the lowest floor
🎒 Essential Hurricane Gear
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Midland ER310 Emergency Radio
NOAA weather alerts, hand-crank + solar charging, flashlight built in
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LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Filters 1,000 gallons — backup if water supply is contaminated after storm surge
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