Here’s a list of 10 little-known things you can do to prepare for hurricane season, long before it hits.
Experts warn to just prepare, hurricane forecasts can be misleading
Hurricane experts warn that the weather outlook could lead to complacency as the National Hurricane Center says even one major storm could cause catastrophic damage to the United States.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1st. Are you ready?
Forecasters don’t know what the future will hold. In April, influential hurricane forecasts made headlines as forecasters grappled with an unmanageable weather pattern. The forecast predicted a lower-than-average number of storms and warned of a “high level of uncertainty.”
But experts say people across the East Coast, especially those living along the coast, should prepare for the worst.
Preparing for hurricane season means more than just buying batteries. Here’s a list of 10 not-so-obvious things you can do before a hurricane hits. These are the details that really matter during a disaster.
Take a photo of your house before the storm
Here’s what you can do right now: The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends taking photos and videos of your home, roof, windows, appliances, and valuables before a storm hits. FEMA and insurance companies recommend being able to prove pre-storm conditions if you need to file a claim after a storm.
Set up several ways to receive weather alerts
Don’t rely solely on your phone app to receive weather alerts. Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service recommend at least two independent warning sources, such as a wireless emergency alert and a battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio.
make a plan for your pet
Your furry friend needs more than food. Both the Centers for Disease Control and FEMA report that some shelters will not accept animals without proper documentation. We recommend preparing crates, vaccination records, and identifying pet-friendly evacuation options long before a storm threatens.
Save documents digitally
There’s always more you can do. Digitally store IDs, insurance policies, certificates, and prescriptions on secure cloud storage, portable drives, and mobile phones. Also note that, according to FEMA, even if a home survives wind damage, the physical originals are often ruined by flooding.
With this in mind, if you leave original documents at home, store them in a waterproof bag in an elevated location rather than in a safe on the floor.
Know your evacuation route
This is good advice not only for coastal residents, but for anyone who may be in the path of a hurricane (or its debris). According to NOAA, most hurricane deaths occur inland and are caused by heavy rain and flooding, not storm surge. Therefore, even if you live far from the coast, you should be familiar with evacuation routes and roads that are at risk of flooding.
withdraw cash
It’s wise to withdraw your cash before the storm hits. According to FEMA and the American Red Cross, ATMs, card readers and banks may be out of service after a hurricane. They said the small bills could be useful for purchasing gas, food and supplies.
Prepare your hurricane emergency supplies kit
Emergency kits should be prepared well in advance of a storm so they’re easily accessible if you need to evacuate, the National Weather Service says. This should include several days worth of non-perishable food, water, medicine, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a charger, and basic hygiene products. Emergency managers say this should be done long before shelves are empty or prices skyrocket.
Check your insurance coverage, especially for floods.
Homeowners and renters insurance typically does not cover flooding. NOAA, FEMA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you review your coverage now, as flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period for coverage.
Decide in advance what will trigger evacuation.
The National Weather Service and emergency managers strongly recommend “predetermining” forecasts and orders that will actually cause you to leave your home, rather than debating and deciding what to do under pressure when traffic conditions are bad and gas is low.
prepare the house and garden
The CDC recommends cutting down trees, cleaning gutters, securing outdoor items, inspecting shutters and window coverings, and repairing roof and drainage problems that can worsen wind and water damage in the event of a hurricane.
And one last thing:
Plan for boredom and mental strain
Emergency agencies such as the Red Cross and the CDC are beginning to recognize mental health as a disaster risk. Prolonged power outages can cause stress, fear, and sleep deprivation. Emergency managers suggest that in addition to food and water, hurricane preparedness should also include comfort items, games, books, music, and children’s activities.
