Hurricane and Tropical
Storm Preparation

Hurricane Watch and Warning

• Hurricane Watch: Sustained winds of 74 mph or higher may affect your area. National weather services typically post this alert about 48 hours before tropical storm–force winds (39–73 mph) are expected to arrive.
• Hurricane Warning: Sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in the warned area. This alert is usually issued about 36 hours before tropical storm–force winds begin, giving households time to wrap up preparations and evacuate if told to do so. Plan for hurricane-force winds and the chance of storm surge.

Tropical Storm Watch and Warning

• Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours or less. Prepare for wind speeds of 39-73 mph.

Storm Surge Watch and Warning

Storm surges occur when tropical systems push water toward the shore with strong winds. This water is often over the predicted tide depth and can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas. See the differences between a storm surge watch and warning:

• Storm Surge Watch: A storm surge is possible within 48 hours. Coastal areas affected by this watch should continue to monitor the situation.
• Storm Surge Warning: A storm surge is expected within 36 hours or less, prepare accordingly.

Boil Water Advisory/Alert

During and after extreme weather events, microbial contaminants can corrupt public water systems. Health departments and other regulatory agencies will monitor these water systems, and will issue boil water advisories when they suspect contamination. Even though these alerts can be precautionary, they should always be taken seriously.

If a boil water advisory is issued for your area, stick to bottled water when you can, or bring tap water to a rolling boil before drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth. Everyday pitcher and faucet filters are not a substitute for boiling during an advisory — they often leave harmful microbes behind. If you cannot boil water, follow guidance from local health officials on chemical disinfection methods that are appropriate for your situation.

Voluntary and Mandatory Evacuation Orders

Local government will issue evacuation notices to residents who live in areas that will likely be impacted by a hurricane or tropical storm. It’s important to know what each type of evacuation order means so your household can react appropriately.

• Voluntary Evacuation Order: Dangerous weather conditions exist or will likely exist in the immediate future. Residents are not required to leave, but it should be considered.
• Mandatory Evacuation Order: Life-threatening weather conditions exist. All individuals must evacuate in accordance with instructions from local officials.

Local and National Weather Radio Stations

Radios are a necessity. They are relatively inexpensive and provide access to local and national weather broadcasts — without relying on a public power grid. A NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert is especially useful. Be sure to identify and save local weather radio stations for future reference.

TV - Local News Channels

If the power is still on, local weather and news channels are an excellent source of information on your area’s status. In addition, these news organizations will likely have related web or social media pages with relevant storm information.

News and Information Websites

While accessible, news and information websites can be useful for providing storm development updates, local weather radar, and public alert statuses. Before the storm is an imminent threat, research and save web-based information sources.

Emergency Alerts and Apps

Don’t rely on a single source of information. Set up multiple ways to receive alerts before a storm threatens:

• Sign up for your community’s local emergency alert system (often run by your city, parish, or county).
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are sent automatically to most cell phones — no signup required. Keep your phone charged and on.
• Download the FEMA App for National Weather Service alerts and disaster resources.
• Download the American Red Cross Emergency App for weather alerts and nearby shelter information.
• A NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert remains one of the most reliable options when power and cell service fail.

• Friends and Family
• County or Parish Fire Department
• County or Parish Law Enforcement
• Local Emergency Management Offices
• Local Government
• Local Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers
• American Red Cross
• Local Utility Companies

• Create an evacuation plan with members of your household as early as possible.
• Know your evacuation zone (many coastal communities use numbered zones), and whether your area is prone to flash flooding and other weather-related threats.
• Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, and decide ahead of time where you will stay.
• Monitor information sources for threats and evacuation orders.
• Plan for pets and their needs.

• Go-Kit: At least 3 days of essentials you can carry with you — water, food, medications, important documents, chargers, and backup batteries for phones or medical devices.
• Stay-at-Home Kit: At least 2 weeks of supplies. After a major storm, stores and pharmacies may be closed or hard to reach for an extended period.
• Keep kits where you can grab them quickly, and review contents before each hurricane season.

• Manual Can Opener
• Paper Plates
• Plastic Utensils
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Cups
• Cooler(s)
• Small Propane Camping Stove and Filled Propane Tank

• Peanut Butter (great source of energy)
• Crackers
• Nuts, Dried Fruit, and Trail Mixes
• Cereal
• Granola Bars
• Canned Meat and Fish
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Soups and Chili
• Sugar, Salt, and Pepper
• Instant Noodles
• Baby Supplies (baby food, formula, etc.)
• Comfort Foods

Water

Plan on 1 gallon per person per day. Pack at least a 3-day supply in your Go-Kit, and aim for a 2-week supply in your Stay-at-Home Kit. Include extra for pets and for sanitation if water service is interrupted.

Alcohol and Mixers

When used responsibly, alcohol can be a fun way to pass the time. Consider low-maintenance drinks that do not require perishable ingredients. Make sure you have pain relievers and budgeted water for recovery!

Additional Beverages

Here are a few other low-maintenance beverage options:

• Sports Drinks
• Powdered or Evaporated Milk
• Instant Coffee and Tea

Medication

Gather as much prescribed medication and medical supplies as you can — ideally up to a 1-month supply, and at least enough for 7 days. Store them securely in your Go-Kit. In addition, make sure you have the following non-prescription medications:

• Pain Relievers
• Anti-diarrhea
• Antacid
• Laxatives
• Allergy Medication

First-Aid Kit

It is advisable to keep a first-aid kit in your house at all times. Some recommended items you should include in yours:

• Latex Gloves
• Sterile Dressings and Gauze Pads
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Burn Ointment
• Adhesive Bandages in Various Sizes
• Eye Wash
• Thermometer
• Small Scissors and Tweezers
• Petroleum Jelly
• Cold Pack
• Emergency Blanket

Toiletries & Sanitization Products

• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Moist Towelettes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Diapers For Babies and Toddlers
• Plastic Bucket with a Tight Lid

Emergency Preparation Supplies

Here are some recommended supplies that can be useful in weather-related emergency situations:

• Rain Gear
• Sleeping Bag, Air Mattress, and Warm Blanket
• Whistle
• Rope
• Basic Tools: Wrench, Pliers, Multipurpose Tool, etc.
• Duct Tape
• Emergency Ladder (for multi-story buildings)
• Matches in Waterproof Container and Lighter
• Charcoal and Propane
• Sandbags
• Map of the Area
• Needles and Thread
• Water Filter
• Plywood
• Axe
• Fire Extinguisher
• Extra Set of House and Car Keys
• Portable Generator: If you have to run a generator, make sure it’s outside. Running a generator in a closed space is a major threat for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cleanup Supplies

Cleaning up after a hurricane or tropical storm can be full of unpleasant surprises. Here are a few items that can help make this a safer and more efficient experience:

• Heavy Gloves
• Dust Masks
• Closed-Toe Shoes
• Chlorine Bleach
• Garbage Bags
• Sunscreen
• Tarps and Plastic Sheeting
• Sunglasses
• Chainsaw
• Insect Repellent

• Cell Phones and Chargers
• Portable Power Banks / Backup Battery Packs (fully charged before the storm)
• Solar or Hand-Crank USB Charger (optional, but useful for longer outages)
• Radio: (Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank NOAA Weather Radio)
• Flashlight and/or Lantern
• Clock: (Wind-Up or Solar)
• Digital Camera: (to assess damage)
• Extra Batteries for Everything

• Books
• Board Games
• Portable Electronic Gaming Systems (with extra batteries)
• Pet Toys
• Download movies/podcasts on devices before internet goes out
• Playing Cards

• At Least a 7-day Supply of Food
• At Least a 7-day Supply of Medications
• Hygiene Products Such as Puppy Pads, Litter, and Litterbox Bags
• Current Tags and Identification

• Close and lock all windows, doors, and hurricane shutters.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as long as possible. It’s also a good idea to freeze a few bottles of water and place them in your freezer to keep cold if the power goes out.
• Clear your gutters of debris for optimal drainage.
• Wash all dirty laundry.
• Clear out all trash.
• Empty rain barrels.
• Cook all meat.
• Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Fill bathtub with water, you can use this to flush the toilet if there is no water pressure.
• Board up windows and reinforce the garage door.
• Anchor mobile homes.
• Record video of your belongings.

• Clear your yard of all items that aren’t anchored.
• Trim dead branches from trees.
• Tie down and anchor boats.
• Record video of your property.

• Social Security Card
• Proof of Residence
• Insurance Policies
• Birth and Marriage Certificates
• Stock, Bond, and Other Financial Certificates
• Wills
• Deeds
• Tax Returns
• Updated Health Records for Family and Pets
• Passwords

• Review your insurance policies before hurricane season begins.
• Consider a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more.
• Act early: flood insurance typically has a waiting period (often about 30 days) before coverage takes effect.
• Document your belongings with photos or video to support insurance claims after a storm.

• Stay informed with emergency alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, and local officials.
• Take shelter in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level that is not likely to flood — away from windows.
• If flooding traps you inside, move higher in the building. Avoid closed attics — rising water can leave you with no exit.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Follow the National Weather Service “Turn Around, Don’t Drown®” guidance: only inches of moving water can knock a person down, and about a foot can carry a car away.
• Keep away from windows, skylights, and glass doors during high winds.

• Listen to local officials for re-entry instructions and special guidance.
• Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas. Floodwater can hide debris, chemicals, waste, and energized lines.
• Stay clear of electrical gear if you or the equipment is wet. When conditions are safe, cut power at the main breaker.
• Use generators outdoors only, far from windows and doors — never in a garage, basement, or enclosed space.
• Wear protective clothing and an N95 or similar mask when cleaning mold or debris. Children and people with lung conditions should not help with mold cleanup.
• Keep voice calls short and for true emergencies; texts and social posts usually get through more reliably when networks are overloaded.
• Photograph damage before cleanup when possible, then contact your insurance company.