How to Prepare for Hurricane Season: A Complete Checklist

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and preparation is the single most important thing you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. Whether you live on the coast or inland, hurricanes can bring devastating winds, flooding, and power outages.

Build Your Emergency Kit

Every household should have an emergency kit ready before hurricane season begins. Here's what to include:

• Water — At least one gallon per person per day for 3-7 days
• Food — Non-perishable items and a manual can opener
• Medications — A 7-day supply of prescriptions
• First aid kit — Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers
• Flashlights and batteries — Avoid candles due to fire risk
• Phone chargers — Portable battery packs are essential
• Important documents — In a waterproof container (IDs, insurance, medical records)
• Cash — ATMs may not work during extended outages

Create an Evacuation Plan

Know your evacuation zone and routes before a storm threatens. Key steps:

1. Identify your local evacuation zone (check with your county emergency management office)
2. Plan multiple evacuation routes
3. Designate a meeting point for your family
4. Arrange for pet-friendly shelters if you have animals
5. Keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half full during hurricane season

Protect Your Home

• Install or prep hurricane shutters
• Clear your yard of loose objects that could become projectiles
• Trim trees and shrubs
• Reinforce your garage door
• Know how to turn off utilities (water, gas, electricity)

Stay Informed with Clime

The Clime app provides real-time radar tracking, severe weather alerts, and hyper-local forecasts that help you monitor approaching storms. Download the app and enable push notifications so you never miss a critical weather update.

After the Storm

• Don't return home until authorities say it's safe
• Avoid floodwaters — they may be contaminated or hide hazards
• Document damage for insurance claims with photos
• Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled individuals

Preparation saves lives. Start building your plan today.