07/20/2026
Hurricane Prep Checklist:
Light:
[ ] Charge all devices providing light: laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, old phones (for 911), and external battery backups.
[ ] Gather candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, and batteries. Keep them accessible.
[ ] Place candles and matches in ziplock bags.
[ ] Use glow sticks for temporary lighting (place upright in a glass for a makeshift lantern).
Water:
[ ] Wash trash cans and fill them with water for flushing toilets. Add bleach to sterilize.
[ ] Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill with water, and store in the garage.
[ ] Fill tubs and sinks with water. Cover with Saran Wrap to keep dust out.
[ ] Store water in washing machine with lid open.
[ ] Fill old bottles and containers with water for hand washing.
[ ] Freeze Tupperware containers filled with water to keep food cold longer and as backup water.
[ ] Fill drinking cups with water, cover with Saran Wrap, and store in the fridge or on the counter for use before bottled water.
Food:
[ ] Cook and freeze any perishable foods.
[ ] Hard-boil eggs for snacks.
[ ] Store canned food in the car and in a designated room.
[ ] Stay hydrated and avoid salty foods.
[ ] Stock up on pet food (place 5 servings in ziplock bags), and fill bowls of water for pets.
Cleaning:
[ ] Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets.
[ ] Scrub bathrooms for a clean environment.
[ ] Clean litter boxes and empty all household trash cans.
[ ] Clean all counters and mop/vacuum floors. Use Clorox wipes when the power is out.
Flying Objects:
[ ] Bring in yard décor, hoses, potted plants, patio furniture, and grills.
[ ] Secure gates and any other items that may become projectiles.
Escape Route:
[ ] Clear easy escape routes by moving furniture if necessary.
[ ]know alternative streets and routes in case of fallen trees, have a local map readily available in your vehicle.
Important Items:
[ ] Pack a backpack or file box with essential items (wallet, ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks).
[ ] Store important documents in ziplock bags and take pictures or scan to the cloud.
[ ] Have cash on hand.
Medications & Supplies:
[ ] Refill medications (use emergency refills if needed).
[ ] Fill propane tanks for cooking and heating.
[ ] Lower A/C and fridge temperature in advance.
[ ] Keep baby wipes by each toilet.
Power & Electronics:
[ ] Unplug all electronics before the storm
[ ] Fill balloons with water and freeze them.
[ ] Run your dishwasher so you don’t have dirty dishes.
[ ] Freeze a cup of water with a coin on top to check if your freezer thaws.
Car & Gas:
[ ] Gas up your car and fill a spare gas container for the generator.
Family & Pets:
[ ] Check on family and neighbors. Set emergency backup plans.
[ ] Choose a meeting spot (local store or restaurant or have 2 places in case 1 is inaccessible) if separated, and set a safe word for children.
[ ] Remember to take pets with you.
Additional Preparations:
[ ] Take a video of your home and its contents for insurance claims.
[ ] Set up an emergency safe space with essential items.
[ ] Pack a small suitcase with clothing, diapers, and hygiene products in plastic bags for each person.
[ ] Shower before the storm hits.
[ ] Keep plastic cups, paper plates, and utensils on hand.
Final Preparations:
[ ] Turn off breaker box if electricity goes out.
[ ] Your hot water heater can store up to 30 gallons of water.
[ ] Have an inflatable raft or canoe on hand if possible
[ ] There are lightweight filing cases that are water and fire resistant which can be very useful
Finally try to have a room in the house designated with as much as possible and space available to run to in case of tornado as well as as a space in vehicle to store as much as possible in case of last minute evacuation. Life vests for little ones or those whom don’t know how to swim in case of floods. An inflatable raft or canoe is useful if you live in area that tends to flood.
