Hurricane Checklist

Evacuation sign

Hurricane survival is contingent upon being prepared for the worst. A good Hurricane preparedness plan starts off with a hurricane checklist to ensure that you and your family have the necessary survival gear to get you through the worst that a hurricane has to throw at you. With that in mind, National-Hurricane-Center has brought to you this hurricane checklist from the American Red Cross. You can also check out our How To Prepare For A Hurricane page for more links and information on hurricane safety.

  • Water: One gallone, per person, per day, for three days
  • Non perishable food: enough for three days
  • Flashlight(s)
  • Battery powered radio
  • Extra batteries
  • A first aid kit
  • Extra medications
  • A multipurpose tool (like a Swiss Army Knife)
  • Sanitary or personal hygiene products
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone and chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map of the area
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers, etc…)
  • Pet supplies (leashes, collar with ID, food carrier, bowl, food)
  • Tools and supplies for securing the home
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes
  • Insect repellant and sun screen
  • Camera for taking pictures of hurricane damage

In addition to marking off the items on this hurricane checklist, you should be sure that you are in a safe, and secure shelter that is not in an inundation zone. NOAA has provided these user friendly storm surge interactive maps to help you keep track of where you are and where you need to be when a hurricane is on its way.

You can look at the Fema State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management Page for a listing of local emergency management office websites and phone numbers, and for updates on where the storm is, check National-Hurricane-Center’s Hurricane Tracker. And be prepared for other hurricane menaces like hurricane spawned tornadoes by taking a look at our other hurricane awareness pages.