Complete Hurricane Preparation Checklist: What Lists Miss
Hurricane season doesn't start when the forecast cone appears on your screen. It starts now—months before any storm threatens your coastline.
Most preparation checklists tell you the same things: store water, buy batteries, have flashlights ready. They're not wrong. But they're incomplete. After decades of storms hitting the Gulf Coast, coastal residents know there's a gap between standard checklists and actual survival.
This is the complete guide—covering not just the obvious essentials, but the critical items, strategies, and preparations that other lists overlook or ignore.
Timeline: When to Prepare
Right Now (Off-Season)
Install permanent hurricane protection (motorized screens, impact windows)
Photograph your home and belongings for insurance
Create digital backup of critical documents
Review insurance coverage and update if needed
Trim trees and remove dead branches
Clear gutters and drains
Identify evacuation routes and alternate routes
Locate nearby shelters and understand their pet policies
May/Early June (Season Start)
Stock non-perishable food gradually
Fill prescriptions for 90-day supplies
Test generator and change oil
Check flashlights, radios, batteries
Refresh first aid kits
Update emergency contact lists
Fill propane tanks
Service vehicle and check spare tire
Watch Issued (48-36 Hours Before)
Fill gas tank (half full is empty)
Withdraw cash ($200-500 in small bills)
Charge all devices and backup batteries
Fill bathtubs and large containers with water
Move outdoor furniture and objects inside
Lower pool water level by one foot
Secure or move vehicles to higher ground
Warning Issued (36 Hours Before)
Deploy hurricane protection systems
Finalize evacuation decision
Set refrigerator to coldest setting
Turn off propane at tank
Unplug small appliances
Document home condition with photos/video
Load vehicle if evacuating
The Essential Supply Kit
Water
One gallon per person per day for 7-14 days minimum
Include water purification tablets
Don't forget water for pets
Reuse sanitized juice bottles for storage (they stack better than water bottles)
Fill bathtubs before the storm for non-drinking water
Food (14-Day Supply Minimum)
Canned proteins: tuna, chicken, beans
Peanut butter (protein, no refrigeration needed)
Crackers, granola bars, trail mix
Canned fruits and vegetables
Comfort foods (chocolate, candy, cookies—morale matters)
Baby formula if needed
Pet food (two-week supply minimum)
Manual can opener
Disposable plates, cups, utensils
Sterno or camping stove for cooking
First Aid & Medications
90-day supply of prescription medications (not 30-day)
Copies of prescriptions
Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids
Antibiotic ointment
Bandages, gauze, medical tape
Thermometer
Tweezers, scissors
CPR face shield
Bee sting kit if anyone allergic
Feminine hygiene products
Anti-itch cream (mosquitoes after storms are brutal)
Power & Communication
Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
Multiple flashlights (one per person)
Headlamps (hands-free lighting)
Extra batteries (more than you think you need)
Solar chargers for phones
Portable power banks (fully charged)
Car phone chargers
Battery-powered fans
Candles and waterproof matches (backup only—never leave unattended)
Sanitation & Hygiene
Toilet paper (two-week supply)
Paper towels
Moist towelettes/baby wipes
Hand sanitizer
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo (no-rinse or dry shampoo)
Feminine hygiene products
Diapers if needed
Garbage bags (heavy-duty, multiple sizes)
Bleach (for sanitizing water and surfaces)
Tools & Emergency Supplies
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
Duct tape
Tarps (multiple sizes)
Rope or bungee cords
Ax or hatchet (for clearing debris)
Hammer and nails
Work gloves
N95 masks (for dust and mold)
Chainsaw and fuel (if trained to use)
Fire extinguisher
Waterproof matches
Emergency blankets
Rain gear (ponchos, boots)
Documents & Money
Cash in small bills ($200-$500 minimum)
Copies of insurance policies
Property deeds
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Medical records
Vaccination records
Pet vaccination records
Bank account information
Credit card information
Photos of family members (in case of separation)
Photos of home and valuables (for insurance)
All stored in waterproof container or bags
What Other Lists Don't Tell You: Critical Oversights
The Freezer Strategy Most lists say "set your fridge to coldest." But here's what works: fill empty freezer space with frozen water bottles or bags of ice. A full freezer stays cold longer—up to 48 hours if unopened. This buys crucial time for medication and food preservation.
The Ice Block Method Freeze water in large tupperware containers or milk jugs. When power fails, move these ice blocks to your refrigerator. One large ice block lasts longer than bags of ice cubes. Mark the water level with a sharpie—if it melts and refreezes while you're evacuated, you'll know the power was out long enough to spoil everything.
The Ziploc Document Hack Forget expensive waterproof containers. Put critical documents in gallon Ziploc bags, then store those inside a plastic storage bin. Costs $10 instead of $100, works just as well. Keep it off the floor—water rises.
The Laundry Pre-Storm Wash and dry ALL laundry before the storm. You won't have power to do laundry for weeks. Clean clothes = comfort and morale = survival mindset.
The Car Gas Logic "Keep your tank full" is common advice. Here's what's not: fill up your gas cans too, but add fuel stabilizer. Gas stations run out or lose power. Having 10-15 gallons stored (safely, outside, away from house) means you can run a generator or evacuate late if needed.
The Battery Management System Buy batteries in bulk off-season when they're cheap. Store in a cool, dry place. But here's the key: write the purchase date on each pack with a sharpie. Rotate stock annually. Test batteries before the season—alkaline batteries lose charge sitting on shelves.
The Phone Charging Priority Everyone knows to charge phones. But charge them to only 80% and keep them in airplane mode. Batteries last longer not fully charged. Turn off all push notifications, background refresh, auto-brightness. One charge should last 2-3 days this way.
The Propane Tank Reality If you use propane for grills or backup heat, keep tanks as full as possible year-round. When a storm threatens, propane distributors shut down. You cannot refill. A 20-lb propane tank only runs a generator for 5-7 hours. Do the math now.
The Water Heater Trick Your water heater holds 40-50 gallons of clean water. If you lose water service but never lost power or it turns back on, you can drain this water for drinking. Turn off power to the heater first, let it cool, then use the drain valve at the bottom.
The Evacuation Reality If you evacuate, don't just grab the "go bag." Take your hurricane supplies with you. Shelters run out of food. Hotels lose power. Having your own supplies means you're not dependent on overwhelmed relief efforts.
The Pet Medication Situation Most people remember pet food. Almost everyone forgets pet medications. Get 90-day supplies. Keep copies of prescriptions. Many shelters require proof of vaccinations—keep copies in your document kit.
The Comfort Item Truth Stress kills. Pack items that provide psychological comfort: favorite snacks, books, games for kids, coloring books, playing cards. A deck of cards weighs nothing and provides hours of entertainment when you're in the dark with no power.
The Garbage Bag Multiplier Buy more garbage bags than you think you need. Triple it. They're not just for trash. Use them to waterproof items, cover broken windows, collect rainwater, improvise rain ponchos. Heavy-duty contractor bags are worth the extra cost.
The Cooler Strategy Keep two coolers. One for drinks (opened frequently, ice melts fast). One for critical cold items like insulin or medications (opened rarely, ice lasts days). Label them clearly.
The Light at Night Rule Never run generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors. Carbon monoxide kills. But here's what lists don't mention: keep a glow stick in each room. They provide enough light to navigate safely without batteries, fire risk, or CO danger.
The Paper Product Prophecy Toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates—buy double what you think you need. Stores run out fast. You can't wash dishes without water or power. Paper products become currency after bad storms.
The Neighborhood Network Exchange phone numbers with neighbors before the season starts. Create a text group. During storms, someone always has information or resources others need. Community survival beats individual survival.
The Insurance Photo Protocol Don't just photograph belongings. Video walk through your house, opening every cabinet and closet, narrating what's inside. Include serial numbers on electronics. Document your landscaping. Store this video in the cloud. Insurance companies process video claims faster than photo inventories.
The Prescription Timing Refill prescriptions the moment a storm enters the Gulf, even if you have two weeks left. Pharmacies close or lose power. Insurance often allows early refills for emergencies—ask your pharmacist.
The ATM Alternative Cash is critical. But if ATMs are empty, gas stations sometimes do cash back on debit purchases. Buy a pack of gum, get $100 cash back. Know which stations in your area do this.
The Mail Hold If evacuating, stop mail delivery through USPS. Piles of mail signal an empty house. Same with newspaper delivery. Criminals follow storms.
Home Preparation Beyond the Basics
Outdoor Items
Bring in all furniture, grills, decorations, garbage cans
Remove or secure trampolines (they become missiles)
Store or drain kiddie pools
Secure gate latches
Move vehicles into garage if possible
Disconnect outdoor electrical connections
Tree and Yard
Remove dead branches NOW, not when a storm threatens
Clear yard debris (branches, coconuts, anything loose)
Trim branches away from house and power lines
Secure or remove fence panels if possible
Water Management
Clean gutters and downspouts completely
Check that drains aren't clogged
Lower pool water by one foot to prevent overflow
Know where your main water shut-off is located
Window and Door Protection
Install hurricane shutters, screens, or board up windows
Reinforce garage doors (weak point in most homes)
Check door weatherstripping
Consider reinforcing sliding glass doors
Interior Preparation
Move vehicles into garage, move garage contents into house
Move valuables to second floor if you have one
Fill bathtub and sinks with water (non-drinking)
Set refrigerator to coldest setting
Turn off circuit breakers to sensitive electronics
Know where your breaker box is and how to shut off main
For Pet Owners
Pet Essentials
Two-week minimum food supply
Bottled water for pets
Medications (90-day supply)
Leash, collar with ID tags
Carrier or crate for each pet
Recent photo of you with your pet
Proof of vaccinations
Comfort items (toys, blanket)
Manual can opener for pet food
Poop bags or litter/litter box
Evacuation with Pets
Know which shelters accept pets
Have list of pet-friendly hotels outside evacuation zone
Bring pet medical records
Microchip information
Temporary ID tag with evacuation destination number
The Aftermath Preparation
Post-Storm Supplies
Chainsaw and fuel (if trained)
Heavy work gloves
Steel-toed boots
Safety goggles
Dust masks or N95 respirators
Insect repellent (mosquitoes explode post-storm)
Sunscreen
Anti-fungal spray (everything gets moldy)
Camera for documenting damage
Financial Recovery
Know your insurance agent's contact information
Keep receipts for storm-related purchases
Document ALL damage before cleanup
Don't throw away damaged items until adjuster sees them
Know your policy's deductible and coverage limits
Special Considerations
For Families with Infants
Formula (two-week supply minimum)
Bottled water for formula
Diapers (more than you think)
Baby wipes
Diaper cream
Bottles and pacifiers
Baby food
Baby medication (Tylenol, gas drops)
Blankets and comfort items
For Elderly Family Members
Extra medication (90-day supply)
Medical equipment batteries/backups
Mobility devices (walker, cane)
List of current medications and dosages
Medical alert devices with backup power
Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing
Hearing aid batteries
Denture supplies
Reading glasses (backup pair)
For Those with Medical Conditions
Oxygen concentrator or tanks
CPAP machine and backup power
Dialysis supplies
Insulin and cooling pack
Blood sugar testing supplies
Medical alert bracelet
List of medical conditions and emergency contacts
Register with power company for priority restoration
The Bottom Line
Hurricane preparation isn't about panic buying when a storm appears on radar. It's about building supplies gradually, making permanent improvements to your home, and having systems in place long before you need them.
The families who recover fastest aren't lucky. They're prepared.
Start now. Build your supplies over the next month. Get permanent hurricane protection installed before the season peaks. Make the investments and preparations that let you sleep at night when the forecast cone includes your zip code.
Because the best hurricane plan is the one you never have to improvise.
Related Posts:
Category 1-5 Hurricane Series
"Hurricane Season 2025: What to Expect"
"How Motorized Hurricane Screens Protect Your Home"
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