Hurricane Season Checklist for the US Atlantic and Gulf Coasts

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. That covers the US Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and the flooding from heavy rain can reach well beyond the coast. This is a seasonal checklist: as I write in November, this season is ending, so save it and start working through the first section in spring. It’s organised by timing, so you only need to look at the part you’re in.

This is general information from the National Weather Service, NOAA, the American Red Cross and CDC. Follow orders from your local officials. In an emergency, call 911.

Know the real risk: water

NOAA asks people to understand their hurricane risk from both water and wind. The National Weather Service explains why water matters so much:

• Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds.
• Flooding from heavy rain is the second leading cause of deaths from landfalling tropical cyclones, and it can last for several days after a storm has gone.

So even if you live away from the beach, think about flooding.

Before the season (March to May)

The NWS says to get these done before the season starts on June 1.

• Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area. Your county or state emergency management site has a lookup. In Florida, it’s FloridaDisaster.org/Know.
• Understand your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind, as the NWS puts it.
• Review your insurance. The NWS suggests checking you have enough coverage for your home and belongings. Ask your agent what is and isn’t covered, including flooding.
• Make a written plan. Decide how your household will contact each other, where you’ll go and what you’ll do.
• Check equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
• Sign up for local alerts. NWS sends hurricane, storm surge and extreme wind warnings by Wireless Emergency Alert with no sign-up. Your county may run a separate opt-in system, so register for it.

Build two kits

The Red Cross suggests a Go-Kit with 3 days of supplies and a Stay-at-Home Kit with 2 weeks. Florida’s emergency management agency asks for at least 7 days of food and water.

• Water: CDC says at least 1 gallon (3.8 L) per person per day
• Food that needs no cooking or fridge
• A medicine supply. CDC lists an emergency medicine supply. Talk to your pharmacist about refilling early.
• Important documents: CDC lists medical documents, wills, passports and ID. Keep copies in a waterproof bag.
• A battery or crank radio, flashlights and spare batteries
• Charged power banks
• A first aid kit
• Cash in small bills
• Pet supplies

My 7-day list and go-bag checklist cover both kits.

When a storm threatens (days out)

• Follow the National Hurricane Center forecast at nhc.noaa.gov, and your local NWS office. NOAA suggests having several ways to get forecasts and alerts.
• Top up supplies early, before the rush.
• Fill water containers and charge everything.
• Fill the car’s tank, in case you need to leave.
• Bring in outdoor furniture and anything that could blow around.
• Decide early whether you’ll stay or go. If you’re not in an evacuation zone, the Red Cross says you’ll need to decide whether to leave the area.

If you’re unsure, my stay or go post walks through it.

During the storm

The Red Cross gives three rules:

• If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, grab your kit and go right away.
• Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. CDC says cars can be swept away or may stall in just 6 inches (15 cm) of moving water.

Keep the radio on for updates, and keep phones charged for emergency calls.

After the storm

Carbon monoxide warning. Generators and other fuel-burning equipment give off carbon monoxide, which you can’t see or smell and which can kill within minutes. The NWS says never use a portable generator inside your home or garage. The Red Cross says gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, and to get to fresh air right away if anyone feels sick, dizzy or weak. Keep a battery-operated CO alarm working.

• Don’t go home until you’re told it’s safe, the Red Cross says.
• Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges, the NWS says.
• Don’t touch floodwater. The Red Cross says it may contain sewage, bacteria and chemicals.
• Walk around the outside of your home carefully to check for loose power lines, gas leaks and damage, as the NWS suggests.
• Check food and water safety. My fridge food safety guide and water treatment guide help.
• Photograph damage for insurance before you clean up.

My generator safety guide covers placement, cords and fuel storage.

If you live in Florida

My Florida hurricane season page covers the state’s Know Your Zone map and the AlertFlorida sign-up.

Build the rest of your plan

• Work out a week or two of supplies for your household in the plan builder.
• Print ready-made lists, such as the 7-day list and the 14-day list.
• Plan no-cook meals for after the storm on my food page and in recipes.