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Hurricane season in the US lasts from June 1 to November 30.
The peak season for Atlantic hurricanes falls around August and September. And on average, September has been the worst month for catastrophic hurricanes in Florida.
While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 40% chance of 2023 being a near-average hurricane season, there could still be anywhere from 1-4 major hurricanes this year.
This means, if you live in a hurricane prone area, you should already be in preparation mode.
And depending on where you live, that might mean preparing for the damage that hurricanes bring, as well as flooding.
This comprehensive checklist provides you with all of the hurricane preparation essentials you’ll need to keep you and your family as safe as possible.
First-Aid Kit
Hurricanes can cause broken glass and fallen debris everywhere. A first-aid kit can help you handle minor medical emergencies while waiting for more comprehensive medical care.
First Aid Kit for Home
This 180 Piece kit is compact, but contains all the essential first aid items you’d need for an at-home emergency.
Battery-Operated Flashlights / Lanterns
It’s very likely that you’ll lose electricity during a hurricane, making battery operated flashlights or lanterns a must. We suggest a lantern for each room of the house, and at least 2 flashlights to navigate in the house.
Also remember, you never want to use candles during a hurricane. If a gas line breaks during the hurricane, having a lit candle can pose a huge fire hazard.
MalloMe Lanterns Battery Powered LED Portable Camp Tent Lamp
Pack of 4 battery-powered lanterns that take double A batteries.
Manual Can Opener
Electricity will likely be out during a hurricane, so a manual can opener is a must for opening canned goods.
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener / Bottle Opener
Sturdy, easy to use, by a name you can trust. Also has a bottle opener for those times when you need a cold one after the storm.
Canned Food/Vegetables
Canned food can be eaten directly from the can — no heating necessary! However, once you open the can, it’s best to eat the food immediately. Do not store leftover food in the can to be eaten later, as dangerous bacteria can form causing food poisoning.
Non-Perishable Food
Foods like jerky, peanut butter, trail mix, granola bars, breakfast cereal, crackers, cookies, and non-refrigerated meats (like summer sausage) are great to pair with canned goods. You may also want to opt for ready-made food kits. These contain everything you need for a balanced meal in one package.
StarKist Lunch To-Go Chunk White Mix Your Own Tuna Salad
Pack of 12.
Granola Bars Care Package
66 Count.
Paleovalley 100% Grass Fed Beef Sticks – Variety Pack of 40 Sticks
Organic and gluten free.
Dole Fruit Bowls No Sugar Added Variety Pack, Peaches, Mandarin Oranges & Cherry Mixed Fruit
12 pack.
Baby Food
Have enough jar sealed baby food for a minimum of 2 weeks during a hurricane. Unless you have access to a refrigerator, make sure uneaten portions are thrown away.
Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food Jars, Stage 1 Vegetable Puree for Babies 4 Months and Older
Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food Jars, Stage 2 Fruit Puree for Babies 6 Months and Older
Serenity Kids 6+ Months USDA Organic Veggie Puree Baby Food Pouches
Pet Food
Again, you’ll need at least 2 weeks worth of pet food. We suggest a wet can food to preserve water. However, if dry food is a must, be sure to keep the bag stored in a plastic trash bag, in case of flooding.
Wet Canned Dog Food
Dry Dog Food
Wet Canned Cat Food
Dry Cat Food
Pet Muzzle / Leash
If you need to move to a shelter, you may be required to have a muzzle and a leash for your furry friends.
Dog Muzzles
Dog Leash
Cat Harness/Leash
Pet Carrier/Crate
Some shelters may require you to have your furry friend in a pet carrier or crate.
Dog Carrier
Dog Crate
Cat Carrier
Cat Crate
Paper Plates / Bowls
You may not have access to running water to wash dishes, so it’s best to have disposable plates. You’ll want to keep these inside a waterproof container, or a trash bag in case of flooding.
Amazon Basics Everyday Plates
8.5 inch – 200 count
Heavy-Duty 100% Compostable Paper Plates
7 inch – 125 count
Heavy-Duty Biodegradable Paper Bowls
12 oz – 125 count
Plastic Cups
Again, just in case you don’t have access to water, disposable cups are a necessity.
Clear Plastic Cups with Straw Slot Lid
The lid with the straw makes it perfect if you have several people in your household.
16 oz – 100 count.
Plastic Utensils
Again, usable when water isn’t available to wash dishes.
100% Compostable Fork, Knife, Spoon Set
150 count
Plastic Trash Bags
Can be used for trash disposal, as well as storage for perishables and items you don’t want to get wet.
33 Gallon Clear Trash Bags
We recommend clear trash bags for indoor use. Not only can you use them for trash, you can store your food items, paperwork, medication, sleeping bags and other important items. These bags are 1.5 mil thick, so they’re very durable.
Plastic Sheeting
Can be used to cover broken windows.
Clear Poly Sheeting – Heavy Duty
4 mil thick, so it’s perfect for withstanding the stormy weather.
Plastic Tarp
Can be used as a temporary roof repair.
Brown Poly Tarp Cover
16 mil thick, 10 x 12, reinforced edges with grommets, and UV resistant. The grommets allow you to tie the tarp down, so it stays in place.
Duct Tape
Perfect for holding plastic sheeting in place around broken windows and other items.
Gorilla All Weather Outdoor Waterproof Duct Tape
This is extremely strong tape and it’s waterproof. It’s a good option if you need to tape tarp down.
Gorilla Crystal Clear Repair Duct Tape
Good for indoor use, though you pay not want to use it on painted surfaces as it may peel the paint off when being removed.
Absorbent towels
Hurricanes have a way of revealing all kinds of leaks in the foundation. You’ll want to have several absorbent towels for those unknown leaky locations.
Original German Shammy Towels Super Absorbent
These are the king of absorbent towels.
Rain Gear – (Jacket, Hat, Boots)
Rain may linger long after the eye of the hurricane has passed. Umbrellas are not practical in this situation, especially if you have to be outside moving debris.
Cosowe Rain Ponchos for Adults Reusable
2 adult size raincoats with a drawstring so you can face the wind.
Reusable Raincoat for Kids
Yes, with a drawstring.
Planone Tall Rain Boots for Women
They’re about knee length… they come in a variety of colors… and they’re sturdy.
TIDEWE Rubber Neoprene Boots for Men And Women
Lightweight and completely waterproof.
Colorxy Kids Rain Boots for Boys Girls
Lots of colors and easy pull-up handles.
Hairbrella 100% Waterproof Rain Hats for Women
EINSKEY Waterproof Wide Brim Hat for Men and Women
Sturdy Work Boots
You may find debris everywhere the first few days after the hurricane. A good pair of work boots will protect your feet from glass, nails and other dangerous items that may be hidden underfoot.
WOLVERINE Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6” Steel-Toe Work Boot
Sturdy, waterproof and a steel-toe. These are perfect.
Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel Toe Industrial Work Boot
Comes in sizes up to 15 wide.
Carhartt Women’s Rugged Flex 6 Inch Steel Toe
Protective and waterproof.
NOAA Radio / Battery Operated or Hand Crank
If cell phone towers go out and your phone no longer has service, an NOAA radio will keep you up-to-date with the weather in your area. This is vital if you live in an area that’s prone to tornadoes, in addition to hurricanes.
NOAA/AM/FM Weather Radio
Not only is this a waterproof NOAA radio, it also contains a 3-mode flashlight, USB C charger (allowing you to charge your cell phone or tablet to 50% charge), and an SOS alarm. You can charge the radio via hand crank, with solar panels or through a USB.
Spare Batteries
Necessary for flashlights, lanterns, radios, games, and other equipment. Batteries are usually one of the first things to sell out days before a hurricane, so we suggest you stock up.
If you purchase batteries in bulk, make sure to keep them in their original packaging in cool (preferably around 60F), dry storage. You don’t want batteries of different voltages touching each other, because it can cause them to drain.
Batteries of all sizes
Solar Charger Power Bank
Perfect little charger when there’s no electricity. Sit it on the roof of your car, and let nature charge it up. It will only charge your phone up to about 50%, but keep in mind, that’s true for most solar chargers. The device is waterproof.
Fire Extinguisher
Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher. One should be kept in the room where you plan to shelter-in-place.
Amerex B500, 5lb ABC Dry Chemical Class A B C Fire Extinguisher
Two extinguisher bundle.
Fiberglass Fire Emergency Blankets
Two fire retardant blankets.
Whistle
If you should get buried under debris or hurt inside your house during a hurricane, a whistle can act as an alarm to let others know where you are. Make sure everyone in your household has one on their person before the hurricane begins.
Michael Josh Outdoor Emergency Survival Whistles
Extremely loud and comes in a pack of 2.
Wrench/Pliers
Necessary tools if you need to turn off utilities.
WORKPRO Plier/Wrench Set
4 piece set.
Paper Towel
If you don’t have a big enough waterproof container, keep your paper towels in a trash bag so it’s somewhat protected from flood water.
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
If you don’t have a big enough waterproof container to keep your toilet paper in, keep them in a trash bag so they’re somewhat protected from flood water.
Toilet Paper
Feminine Hygiene Products
Make sure to keep them in a waterproof container, or a trash bag so they’re somewhat protected from flood water.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Sandbags
To be placed outside of your doors to divert water away from the door or the foundation. Do not fill sandbags to the top. They should be filled ½-⅔ of their capacity. This makes them easier to carry and stack.
UpNorth Sandbags
Box of 100. Size 14×26.
Sleeping Bag
If you need to go to a shelter, a sleeping bag will make moving around a lot more efficient and give you a bit more cushion.
VENTURE 4TH Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Unlike most conventional sleeping bags, these are perfect for tall (up to 6’4″) or broad people who don’t want to feel overly snug in a sleeping bag.
ECOOPRO Warm Weather Sleeping Bag
Compact, lightweight and waterproof.
Waterproof Container
Use this to store important paperwork and documents like birth certificates, social security cards, wills, family photos, irreplaceable heirlooms, and so on.
WP5001 Ultimate Waterproof Tuff Tainer
This translucent container is perfect for a small items like jewelry.
Plano Guide Series 3700 Field Box Waterproof Case
Perfect for paperwork.
Ice Chest
Can be used to store ice, perishable goods and medications that need to remain cold. You may be able to get ice at an emergency distribution center after the hurricane.
Ice Chest
Bottle Water – (1 gallon per person, per day)
Keep at least 3-4 days worth of water, per person.
Anti Burst Emergency Water Packets
Enough for one person for 24-40 days. The packets have a 5 year life span.
Tub Filled with Water
If the water is shut off, you can use the tub water to flush the toilet.
Cash
Because ATM and credit card machines may not be working after the hurricane.