Hurricane Prep Checklist 2024

You’ll need to gather hurricane supplies and plan ahead for dealing with storms well before a hurricane is expected to make landfall. It’s often hard to find supplies like water and toilet paper when panic buying sets in.

Also, keep the gas tanks in your vehicles filled (or the batteries charged) to stay ready for evacuation if needed. Gasoline can become scarce just before a hurricane arrives.

Initial Steps before Landfall to Help Keep Your Home and Family Safe during Hurricanes

Flying debris during storms can crash through windows, fences, and even walls – potentially causing injuries. Take these steps to minimize the chance of flying debris around your home. Encourage your neighbors to take these same steps if possible.

Check Your Fence

Make sure that your privacy fence stays in good shape. Replace sections of fence or the entire fence if it won’t be able to withstand high winds.

Loose cedar fence pickets can turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds. Secure any loose pickets with deck screws to keep everything in place.

Trim the Trees

Keep trees properly trimmed to reduce the risk of damage to windows, siding, and roofing. Cut down weak branches that overhang your home. Consider having an arborist professionally trim your trees regularly.

Be Prepared to Store Patio Furniture and Other Items

When hurricane landfall is imminent, store lawn furniture, toys, and other items outside your house that can be blown around by high winds during storms.

Dismantle the Trampoline

If you have a trampoline, it can become a deadly flying saucer during a hurricane – wreaking havoc by crashing through fences, windows, and walls. Take these steps to secure a trampoline during a hurricane:

1. Remove and store the safety enclosure net. This will almost certainly blow off during the storm.
2. Detach the jump mat if possible to avoid lift during high winds. You’ll need to use the spring pull tool to detach the jumping pad, so keep that tool handy or buy a new one. Store the mat inside. If you’re unable to detach the jump mat, consider getting help and flipping the trampoline upside down so the mat is flat on the ground if possible. Use sand bags to hold the trampoline down.
3. Dismantle and store the trampoline frame if possible -- or use heavy-duty anchors, straps or sandbags to firmly secure the frame to the ground.

Hurricane Supplies Checklist

When you’re in an area susceptible to hurricanes, you’ll need to have essential supplies constantly ready. Here’s a list of specific items that you should store in a secure place inside your home to deal with problems that can be caused by hurricanes.

• Pre-cut plywood with fasteners to cover windows if you don’t have storm shutters.
• Flashlights with extra batteries and/or candles.
• Weather radio (battery-operated in case of a power outage).
• Bottled water.
• Non-perishable food and manual can opener.
• First-aid kit.
• Cash for essentials (in case of a wide-spread power outage preventing access to your bank).
• Emergency supply of necessary medicines.
• Pet supplies.
• Portable back-up generator.
• Power bank portable cell phone battery charger.

Your family may not need all of these supplies and you may also need additional items such as sand bags to anchor outdoor items or board games to avoid boredom. Choose the supplies that are right for your family. Examine and refresh your supplies at the beginning of spring every year.

Devise and Communicate an Emergency Action Plan

Having essential supplies isn’t the only thing you need to do to prepare for hurricanes. There are certain actions that you and your family should take during severe weather to help keep everyone safe. Listing and communicating these actions will help keep everyone calm and organized during a hurricane.

Action Plan

• First, you’ll need to identify the safest room in your home to shelter in place if necessary during the hurricane (if your home doesn’t have a storm shelter). Use a structurally-sound, interior room without windows. It may be a bathroom or interior bedroom. Everyone in your household needs to know where that room is. They will need to head to that room when high winds or a tornado spawned by the hurricane threaten your safety. If your home has a storm shelter, be sure that everyone knows how to get there and when to use it.
• Store the emergency supplies in the storm shelter or safe room – or where everyone knows where to find them when needed.
• Look at every possible exit from your home in case of fire or flooding and create a safe evacuation plan.
• Plan a safe evacuation route to a specific meeting place in your local area if flooding threatens your family’s safety.
• Devise and communicate the action plan for everyone to take when a hurricane or severe weather hits your area. Keep a written copy of the action plan in the emergency supply kit as a checklist to keep your family safe.

Your action plan should include these basic steps:

1. Head indoors and go to the safe room when the hurricane or severe weather reaches your area.
2. Check the contents of your emergency supply kit and have flashlights or candles ready to use in case of a power outage.
3. Contact family members and friends to let them know of your situation.
4. Stay away from windows when wind is blowing. Protect your windows by installing plywood over them, or if you have storm shutters, close them.
5. Fill the bathtub with water (to use for flushing the toilet in case you lose the water supply).
6. Unplug electronic devices, TVs and appliances with electronic controls. Electrical power surges during storms can damage control boards.
7. Monitor weather conditions using your phone and/or a weather radio.
8. Move vehicles inside or away from trees.
9. Be ready to execute the evacuation plan if necessary.
10. To prevent damage to your HVAC unit, turn it off at the breaker before the storm arrives. Cover the outdoor unit with a fitted cover or a securely tied tarp to keep out flying debris. Make sure to remove the cover before turning the system back on after the storm.
11. Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings in case of a power outage. This keeps food cold for a longer period. Keep the doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
12. If you have a backup generator, make sure it’s ready to support key appliances like your refrigerator, HVAC system, and any medical equipment. Test it ahead of time to ensure it will function when needed.

Your plan may include additional steps such as caring for pets during the storm.

Keep a List of Important Contacts

Having a list of essential contacts ready before the storm can make recovery afterward easier and less stressful. Here’s a helpful list to keep on hand:

• Utility Providers – Contact numbers for electricity, water, and gas companies allow you to report outages or request service.
• Cable and Internet Providers – If service is interrupted, you’ll have quick access to request updates or schedule repairs.
• County or Municipal Authorities – Local emergency management or public works departments can provide crucial information on safe routes, shelter locations, and debris disposal sites.
• Insurance Company – Having your homeowner's insurance contact info ready makes it easier to file claims for storm-related damage.
• Tree Trimming and Debris Removal Services – Many areas experience fallen trees and debris after storms. Local tree-trimming and debris removal services can help with quick and safe cleanup.
• Roofing and Siding Companies – Reputable roofing and siding companies will be in demand, so having contacts ready can speed up repairs for damaged structures.
• Plumbing and Electrical Services – Storms can cause water or electrical issues. Contacting licensed plumbers and electricians ensures that repairs are handled safely.
• Appliance and HVAC Repair Services – Reliable appliances and HVAC systems are essential for comfort and safety after a storm. Keep the contact info for trusted appliance and HVAC repair services for any urgent repairs.

Keeping these contacts organized and easy to access will help you handle any necessary repairs or service calls swiftly once the storm passes.

Keep a copy of your emergency response plan in the emergency supply kit. You can also store a digital copy on your phone. Review the plan with the household yearly in early spring so everyone is ready to respond safely to storms and hurricanes.

Long-Term Steps for Dealing with Hurricanes

Keeping your house and yard in top shape throughout the years will help you avoid damage and danger during hurricanes. Follow these general long-term tips to keep your home and family safe.

Regularly Check Your Roof

Having a good roof on your house will help keep you safe during severe storms. Use these steps to check your roof for damage:

1. Use binoculars to get a close look at the roof. Check for shingles that are curled, cracked, distorted, buckled or missing.
2. Check gutters and the ground below downspouts for gritty granules worn from the surface of shingles. Shingles that have lost their protective granular coating deteriorate quickly.
3. Look inside your attic and check for daylight coming through the roof.

If you find damage, schedule a consultation with a roofing expert to discuss options for repairing or replacing your roof.

If you live in a region plagued by frequent hurricanes, consider installing premium shingles that can withstand winds up to 130 mph. For example, Owens-Corning Duration premium shingles have a limited lifetime warranty and will help keep your home safe and secure during severe storms.

Install Storm Shutters and Impact Resistant Glass Windows

Hanging plywood over windows takes time and is labor intensive. Consider installing storm shutters to protect windows during a hurricane. That way, you can focus on other storm preparations.

Even with plywood or storm shutters covering windows, projectiles such as lawn furniture can crash into windows and cause damage. If you live in an area frequented by hurricanes, consider installing impact-resistant glass windows to help keep your home secure.

Install a Whole Home Back-Up Generator

When you encounter a power outage during a hurricane, you’ll face numerous problems that you’ll wish you could avoid — unless you have a whole house back-up generator. You’ll enjoy these advantages during a power outage when you install a whole-house back-up generator:

• Uninterrupted power. You won’t need flashlights and food in your refrigerator and freezer will stay fresh. Any refrigerated medications will also stay safe. You can scratch many steps off your emergency action plan when you have a back-up generator.
• The air conditioner or heater will still work. Stay comfortable during a power outage when you install a back-up generator. This can be a life-saver for young children or older family members with health issues.
• You’ll keep your water supply if you have a well pump. When you have a well water supply, a power outage can knock out your water supply. Keep your well pump running using a back-up generator. If you aren’t on a city water supply, you’ll likely use a septic tank system as well. Keep your septic system pump working during a power outage using a back-up generator.
• Keep your basement from flooding. Avoid expensive water damage to your home by installing a whole home generator to automatically kick in and keep the sump pump running when a storm knocks out power to your home.

Schedule an appointment with a generator expert to install a whole home back-up generator so that you’re well-prepared for power outages during hurricanes and severe storms.

Maintain Appliances and HVAC Systems

Keeping your appliances and HVAC systems in top shape can reduce potential damage and ensure you have reliable resources during and after the storm.

Schedule yearly professional maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps your appliances and HVAC system running efficiently, which can make a difference during extreme weather.

You can have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and maintain all of your home appliances by scheduling a Kitchen and Laundry Appliance Cleaning & Maintenance Bundle and HVAC maintenance yearly as part of your hurricane readiness.

Weathering the Storm

Proper planning will help you stay organized and ready for hurricanes. Using these reminders and suggestions will help keep your family calm and safe during severe storms. Keep your checklist for hurricane preparedness updated as home and family changes occur to stay constantly ready for storms that are bound to come.