Make a hurricane plan
Make a Hurricane Plan
A hurricane can change conditions quickly. Having a plan before the storm arrives can help protect your family, your home and the things that matter most.
Hurricane preparation should begin before a storm threatens your area. Knowing when to act, where to go and what to take with you can make an emergency much easier to manage.
The most important thing is to have a plan before you need one. Review your plan with everyone in your household and update it whenever your family's needs change.
Prepare to act
A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area. Use this time to activate your family's disaster plan and complete preparations that may take extra time.
Complete your plan
A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected. Protective actions should already be underway, including deciding where your household will safely shelter or evacuate.
Prepare before the storm arrives
Don't wait until the storm is approaching to figure out what your family will do. These steps can help you prepare ahead of time.
Create a Family Disaster Plan
Decide where your family will go, how you will communicate and what you will do if you need to evacuate. Make sure everyone understands the plan and knows where important emergency supplies are stored.
Make a Plan for Your Pets
Pets need an emergency plan too. Before a storm threatens, identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels or other safe locations and talk with your veterinarian about emergency preparations.
Protect Windows and Doors
If your area is threatened by strong winds, follow local emergency guidance for protecting windows and doors. Have shutters, plywood or other approved protective materials ready before conditions deteriorate.
Bring Outdoor Items Inside
Patio furniture, grills, planters, tools, decorations and other loose objects can become dangerous during strong winds. Bring them inside or secure them properly before the storm arrives.
Know Your Evacuation Zone and Routes
Know your county or local jurisdiction and identify the evacuation routes that apply to your area. Don't wait until roads become crowded or conditions become dangerous to decide where you're going.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Prepare enough supplies for your household and consider keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle as well.
Keep Emergency Information Available
Keep a battery-powered weather radio or another reliable way to receive emergency alerts. Make sure important phone numbers, emergency contacts and instructions for shutting off utilities are readily available.
Keep Cash and Fuel Available
Power outages and storm damage can temporarily affect banks, ATMs and fuel stations. Keeping some emergency cash available and maintaining adequate fuel in your vehicle can make evacuation and recovery easier.
Put safety first
Stay Away From Flood-Prone Areas
Move away from low-lying areas and locations at risk of flooding. Follow instructions from local emergency officials.
Stay Indoors
Stay inside and away from windows during dangerous wind conditions. Flying debris can cause serious injuries.
Evacuate When Ordered
If emergency officials tell you to evacuate, leave immediately and follow the designated evacuation route.
Leave Unsafe Homes
Mobile homes and other structures that cannot safely withstand hurricane conditions may not be suitable places to shelter.
Don't rush back to normal
The danger doesn't necessarily end when the wind slows down. Floodwater, electrical hazards and structural damage can remain dangerous long after the storm passes.
Wait Until It's Safe
Stay indoors until authorities indicate that it is safe to go outside.
Check on Others Safely
Check for injured or trapped people only when doing so does not put you in additional danger.
Watch for Flooding
Flooding can continue or develop after a hurricane. Never drive through flooded roads.
Avoid Standing Water
Standing water may be contaminated or electrically charged by damaged power lines.
Be Careful With Tap Water
Do not drink tap water until local officials confirm that it is safe.
Document Damage
Once it is safe, photograph and document property damage before making permanent repairs whenever possible.
Hurricane damage and flood damage are not always the same thing.
Homeowners insurance and flood insurance can provide different types of protection, and coverage depends on the specific policy and circumstances of a loss. If you live in an area that can experience hurricanes or flooding, review your coverage before storm season—not after a loss occurs.
Hurricane questions homeowners often ask
What is the difference between a Hurricane Watch and Warning?
When should I evacuate?
What should I put in my hurricane emergency kit?
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding from a hurricane?
What should I do after my home is damaged?
Should I review my insurance before hurricane season?
Don't wait for the storm to make a plan.
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before one is approaching. Know where you'll go, what you'll take and how your insurance coverage may respond to different types of damage.
Protect what you've worked hard to build.
Before hurricane season arrives, let's review your coverage and help you understand the protection you have—and the gaps you may want to consider.