Getting ready for a hurricane or big storm
Know your evacuation zone and route, including plans for pets. Pack supplies for several days: about a gallon of water per person per day, food, medicines, chargers, cash, flashlights and document copies. Video your home and belongings for insurance. Homeowners policies usually don’t cover flooding, and flood insurance often has a 30-day wait, so buy it early. Evacuate when told and never drive through flooded roads. Afterward, document damage, use generators outside and beware of upfront-payment contractors.
Your checklist
- Know your evacuation zone and route
- Pack water, food, medicine, cash
- Video your home and belongings
- Check flood insurance early
- Evacuate when told; avoid flooded roads
- After: document damage, avoid scams
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Plan ahead
- Look up your evacuation zone with your county or city emergency office.
- Plan a route and where you’ll stay, including for pets.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts.
Supplies and a go-bag
For several days: about one gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food, medicines, phone chargers and power banks, flashlights and batteries, a first aid kit, cash, and copies of IDs, insurance policies and important papers in a waterproof bag.
Protect your home and records
Video every room and your belongings. Bring in outdoor furniture, secure loose items, and know how to shut off utilities if told to.
Insurance
Homeowners and renters policies usually don’t cover flooding. National Flood Insurance Program policies often have a 30-day waiting period, so buy coverage well before storm season. Many policies have a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible.
During the storm
Follow official evacuation orders. Never walk or drive through floodwater; just inches of moving water can knock you down or sweep away a car.
After the storm
- Stay out of floodwater and away from downed lines.
- Run generators only outdoors.
- Photograph damage before cleanup and keep receipts.
- Be wary of contractors who demand large upfront payments.
- If a disaster is declared, apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Official sources, and where to look
- Ready.gov: hurricanesready.gov
- National Hurricane Centernhc.noaa.gov
- FloodSmart: flood insurancefloodsmart.gov
- DisasterAssistance.govdisasterassistance.gov
[your county] evacuation zone lookup[your county] emergency alerts sign up
Common questions
When is hurricane season?
In the Atlantic, officially June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in late summer and early fall. More ›
Do renters need flood insurance?
Renters can buy flood coverage for their belongings. Renters insurance usually doesn’t cover flooding. More ›
How do I prepare for a hurricane?
Know your evacuation zone, pack supplies for several days, video your home, check flood insurance early, and sign up for local alerts. More ›
How much water do I need for a hurricane?
About one gallon per person per day, for several days. More ›
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Usually wind damage, often with a separate hurricane deductible. Flooding usually needs a separate flood policy. More ›
How long does flood insurance take to start?
National Flood Insurance Program policies often have a 30-day waiting period. More ›
Know someone who needs this?
Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.