Hurricane Preparation Checklist | Terese DeLuca | BHHS Florida Realty Skip to main content

Be safe and prepared for hurricane season

Follow the checklist below

 

 

Secure your home in the event of power outages, damaging winds, storm surges and flooding.

What to Do:

  • Cover windows with wood or hurricane shutters

  • Trim trees and shrubs and clear rain gutters

  • Reinforce garage doors

  • Bring in outdoor furniture, trash cans and lawn ornaments

  • Stay away from, and secure and brace internal doors and windows

In the event of a power outage, prepare the following:

  • Gas – Fill tanks as far in advance of an approaching storm

  • ATMs – Have extra cash on hand in case no local ATMs are working or accessible

  • Cell phones – Charge your cell phone and limit use after power outage

  • A/C – Loss of A/C is an uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm
    Prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering windows
    Only run battery operated fans in occupied rooms

  • Water – Fill bathtubs and containers for washing and flushing

  • Food – Turn your refrigerator temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water.
    Have a cooler and ice packs in case power outage lasts longer than 4 hours

  • Know your community’s severe weather warning system and follow news reports closely

  • Put a Hurricane Kit in your car ahead of time in case of mandatory evacuation.
    A Hurricane Kit contains the same items as listed below in What to Have below.

  • Health/Safety – Your health and the health of your family members and pets are of the utmost importance.
    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a helpful
    guide on how to stay safe during a power outage.

 

What to Have:

  • Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days)

  • A 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person, per day)

  • First Aid Kit (including prescription medicines)

    What to put in kit at American Red Cross website

  • Personal hygiene and sanitary items

  • Flashlights

  • Battery operated radio

  • Battery operated fan

  • Waterproof container for cash and important documents

  • Manual can opener

  • Lighter or matches

  • Cooler and ice packs

  • Extra batteries for electronics

  • Local maps

  • A wrench and other basic tools

  • Special needs items such as pet supplies and baby supplies (if applicable)

  • An evacuation plan AND a plan if family members become separated

  • Practice hurricane safety by being prepared for risks. Visit National Hurricane Center for more information.