17 Ways to Prepare for a Hurricane Right Now

Determine your risk

States at the highest risk for hurricanes are Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and North Carolina, according to the National Risk Index from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). But anywhere on the East Coast or Gulf Coast of the United States is fair game. Miami has the highest risk of hurricanes, but Sandy, Ida and many other big hurricanes have made landfall in the upper Atlantic states over the years.

“Storm surge can cause widespread, catastrophic flooding and destruction and is often considered the most dangerous hazard of a tropical system,” Fox says. But people who don’t live on the coasts should be prepared too. Rainfall and associated flooding often stretch for hundreds of miles inland, and thunderstorms and tornadoes are a risk as well.

Curious about your area’s specific hurricane history? The Historical Hurricane Tracks tool from NOAA allows anyone to see where hurricanes have landed around the world since tracking began. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center is the place to track current storms.

Download emergency apps

Hurricane preparation isn’t complete without a communication strategy. “Ensure you have multiple ways to receive information and alerts for your community,” Fox says. “This should include weather alerts, emergency alerts such as evacuation notices, and general information like shelter and evacuation center locations.” It’s also important to find out how your local government and emergency managers will be communicating information.

“The Red Cross Emergency app helps you and your loved ones before, during and after a disaster,” Fox says. “On the app, you can access short guides to help you prepare, receive National Weather Service alerts through push notifications, view live weather maps and find open Red Cross shelters and services near you.”

Fox says the app is free to all users. It’s available in English and Spanish and designed with accessibility in mind, so no matter what your family’s specific needs are, you can rest assured you’ll get the information you need to stay safe.

Create an evacuation plan

Formulate an evacuation plan now so you’ll be ready when a storm comes. “Blue-sky days” are the time to plan, Loper says, adding that that’s when you’re thinking with your rational mind and you’re less likely to make knee-jerk decisions. Don’t wait until the skies are threatening.

“Plan out where your nearest shelter is and the different routes you can take to those shelters,” Loper says. Call ahead to shelters and hotels to make sure they can take your pets, and listen to local authorities. Many natural-disaster survivors wish they had evacuated when warnings came. If you are not asked to evacuate, the safest place to be is an interior, lower-level room away from windows, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Understand your homeowners insurance

Don’t wait until you need it to figure out exactly what your homeowners insurance covers. Policies can be confusing, and you may be surprised at what homeowners insurance won’t cover. For example, most policies include wind damage from hurricanes but exclude flooding. You’ll need separate flood insurance for that, but there’s a 30-day waiting period for coverage to kick in, according to FEMA.

Loper says many underwriters in Gulf states won’t write a policy after a named storm enters the Gulf, so if you delay this aspect of hurricane prep until a storm is approaching, it’s too late. Read and understand your policy now to avoid surprises: Make sure you have enough coverage not only to rebuild your home but also replace your possessions, and call your agent well in advance of hurricane season to figure out any additional coverage you need.

Build an emergency kit

Having a home emergency kit or go bag is critical no matter where you live, but it’s an absolute must when thinking about hurricane preparation.

You can purchase a premade emergency kit (the American Red Cross makes great ones) or build your own. Ready.gov outlines what you need to stay safe, including fresh water for drinking and sanitation (one gallon per person per day), several days’ worth of non-perishable food items, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a weather radio and more. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries.

Loper says to make sure you have all your essential medicines with you when you evacuate. It’s also a good idea to get out cash, as well as carry copies of important documents, like insurance policies, in a waterproof bag.

Make a plan for your pets

Our pets are members of our families, and they cannot fend for themselves during a hurricane or its aftermath. Whether you have to evacuate or are staying put, make a plan now so that when a storm comes, you’re not left scrambling to find shelter or food for your four-legged friend.

“Make sure the shelters that you’ve identified for your evacuation, or fallback hotels that you’re going to go to, are pet-friendly,” Loper says.

When you make a home emergency kit for your family’s human members, make one for your pets too. Food, water, medicine, kitty litter and toys are just a few of the items you should have on hand in case of emergencies. Ready.gov has a checklist of everything you need, including backup collars, ID tags and a picture of you with your pet in case you are separated.

Inspect your roof

Missing shingles or clay tiles can compromise the integrity of your roof, leading to leaks or giving strong winds purchase to cause major damage. “Look for shingles near the roof edge that are brittle or loose,” Rimoldi says.

Fix any missing or broken roof shingles or tiles well in advance of the storm. (Smart homeowners will do this even if a storm’s not brewing.) FEMA suggests installing impact-resistant materials when it’s time for a new roof and strapping the roof to the framing to prevent roof loss in a major wind event like a hurricane.

After a storm, watch out for hurricane scams. FEMA’s Blue Roof Program, which helps homeowners who have roof damage, does not charge for disaster assistance or inspections. If anyone shows up asking for money, do not pay, and report them to your local authorities.

Install storm shutters

Loper recommends installing hurricane shutters if you have them. Shutter options range from simple galvanized metal that you manually operate, to sophisticated ones you control with your smartphone.

Plywood is another good option, and you can purchase it at home-improvement centers. But it must have a minimum thickness of five-eighths of an inch to be effective, according to FEMA. Don’t bother taping your windows with X’s, though. This common weather myth creates more problems than it solves.

Storm shutters and plywood aren’t the only ways to protect your windows. “Some newly constructed homes have impact windows, or a fabric windscreen that is placed over the windows,” Loper says. If you live in a hurricane zone, consider upgrading your window protection to these newer tech options.

Prepare for power outages

Hurricane-force winds can easily topple power lines, so it’s important to know what to do when the power goes out. If your budget allows, install a whole-home generator or purchase a portable generator to keep the essentials running. Never run a portable generator indoors or gas it up while it’s running, though.

“Always follow best-management practices when it comes to generator use,” Loper says.

A portable power bank is a more affordable option and will come in handy on camping trips and for other non-hurricane-related events. Candles, matches and lighters are always good to have on hand as well.

Talk to your neighbors

“Do your part to check on neighbors, loved ones and friends—particularly those who live alone or may have challenges preparing for or responding to an emergency,” Fox says. “Some may have inconsistent access to transportation, while others may face challenges with the physical act of packing up to go.” Elderly neighbors and folks with disabilities can be particularly vulnerable.

If you are able, check in on your neighbors before and after a natural disaster. “Some may have complex or sensitive conditions that make leaving their home challenging,” Fox says. “Others may just be unsure of where to start. Being a good neighbor can go a long way in building a resilient community.” Simple ideas like securing outdoor furniture, offering to download emergency apps and helping with cleanup are great places to start.

Clean your gutters

This is good advice any time of year, but it’s particularly important during hurricane season. No one likes cleaning gutters, but “having them flow properly allows water to move away from your home,” Rimoldi says. “Keeping them clean also prevents water from splashing back up against the roof and under the roof covering and causing damage.”

You can pay to have them professionally cleaned, or clean your gutters yourself with a sturdy ladder, work gloves and a gutter scoop. Avoid pressure washing, which can damage your gutters or even pull them off your house. Once you’ve cleared them of debris, check the drainage with a garden hose.

Place thermometers in the fridge and freezer

The best way to determine if perishable food is safe to eat when the power goes out is by temperature, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Before the storm hits, place inexpensive appliance thermometers in your fridge and freezer.

A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for four hours and a fully stocked freezer for 48 hours. If your power is out longer than four hours, check the thermometers. If the temperature is above 40 degrees in the fridge, discard anything perishable. Frozen foods can be safely consumed or refrozen if they still have ice crystals on them or if the freezer is sitting at 40 degrees or below.

Secure outdoor items

Anything left outside has the potential to become a missile in extreme weather, so it’s important to bring in or secure outdoor items. “We always hear the story about the homeowner who thought they had everything addressed, then forgot one lawn chair in the yard, and it ended up blowing around and broke a window,” Rimoldi says.

Loper adds that airborne debris is hazardous to both your home and safety and that of your neighbors. Grills, doghouses, lawn furniture and trash cans cannot withstand the winds of a hurricane. Injury to occupants is a concern, and a direct hit can compromise a building’s integrity by allowing wind, rain and flooding inside. Bring in items you can, and strap down anything that’s too big to move.

Use sandbags strategically

Sandbags won’t completely prevent flood damage, but they will divert floodwater away from your home if placed in the right spots, Rimoldi says. They’re also useful for holding down plastic sheeting or reinforcing plywood barriers.

But Loper doesn’t recommend sandbags if you’re in an evacuation zone. It takes time to fill and place them, and “it boils down to loss of property or loss of life,” he stresses. Where they can help is with inland flooding due to rain, where people have more time and water intrusion may be less.

Local governments sometimes offer residents a limited number of free sandbags when hurricanes approach. Purchase extra at your local hardware store, or make your own with pillowcases or trash bags. Dispose of the sand and bags when floodwaters recede.

Secure your boat

The best place for your boat during a hurricane is on dry land far away from the coast. If that’s not possible, NOAA recommends trailering your boat out of the wind, pulling the drain plugs and anchoring the trailer and boat to the ground with a heavy line or chain. Do not store your boat trailer near power lines or trees, and remove anything that can become flying debris.

If your boat must stay on the water, develop a plan now. Options include mooring in an open canal away from other boats or using a dock that has high pilings so your vessel won’t become impaled. Practice your plan before a hurricane is imminent, and always follow maritime rules to minimize damage and danger to others.

Move your car

Loper says that while many people evacuate in their cars, during Hurricane Ian, the storm surge came up so quickly, it caught a lot of people off guard. As a result, there were tons of vehicles completely totaled in the waterways. If you can, move cars inland if they aren’t being used for evacuation, Loper says. Inland parking garages are great places to take them, as they offer protection from wind and flooding.

Whatever you do, do not attempt to drive through floodwaters. According to FEMA, it takes only a foot of water to wash away a car, even large ones like SUVs, and it’s very difficult to gauge water depth from your vehicle. Always follow the advice to “turn around, don’t drown” when driving your vehicle in proximity to a hurricane.

Trim trees, and update landscaping

Not only can dead tree limbs and other vegetation fall on your house, but they can also become flying debris, says Loper. The disaster cleanup specialist suggests pruning and removing dead or dying vegetation annually. In addition to helping reduce danger during a hurricane, proper pruning will keep your trees healthy.

Many people have moved toward xeriscape landscaping, which reduces the need for irrigation in the age of climate change. In a hurricane zone, that can have adverse consequences if rocks and pebbles become projectiles during a storm. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes recommends switching out rock landscaping for soft, fire-resistant mulch.

Additional reporting by Kaitlyn Chamberlin.

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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on hurricane prep, Ally Childress tapped her experience as a longtime reporter and licensed electrician who often covers home and safety topics for Reader’s Digest. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Stephanie Fox, national spokesperson for the American Red Cross; email interview, Sept. 16, 2025
• Reid Loper, vice president of CrowderGulf; phone interview, November 2022
• Michael Rimoldi, senior project manager and building-codes expert at J.S. Held; email interview, November 2022
• FEMA: “Flood Insurance”
• NOAA: “NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season”
• NOAA: “Historical Hurricane Tracks”
• Time: “There Are Two Storms Churning in the Pacific Ocean. How Rare Are These Types of Hurricanes?”
• NASA: “A Force of Nature: Hurricanes in a Changing Climate”
• NWS: “Actions to Take When a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Threatens”
• Ready.gov: “Build a Kit”
• Ready.gov: “Pets”
• USDA: “Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies”