How to Prepare for Hurricane Season: Key Steps to Stay Safe and Reduce Stress
With forecasters predicting an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season—six to ten hurricanes, up to half of them potentially major—millions living along coastal regions face heightened risk. But emergency officials emphasize that preparation is key to minimizing both danger and stress.
“Don’t be complacent,” says Brian Mason, director of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management. “Take preparedness seriously and do the little things now that will make a big difference later.”
Here’s how to get ready before a storm strikes:
Protecting Your Home Before a Hurricane
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Secure Outdoor Items: Anything not bolted down—furniture, grills, yard tools—can become dangerous projectiles. Move them inside or tie them down.
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Board Up Windows: Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood if possible.
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Protect Important Documents: Store IDs, passports, insurance papers, and other vital records in waterproof containers or sealable plastic bags.
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Inspect Your Roof: Have a professional check your roof’s condition before the season starts.
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Trim Trees and Shrubs: Cut back dead or overhanging limbs to reduce wind damage.
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Know Your Utilities: Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case of emergency.
Build an Emergency Kit
Every household should have a disaster kit that can support family members for several days—whether sheltering at home or evacuating. Recommended items include:
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Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for up to 7 days. Fill bathtubs as an emergency backup.
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Non-Perishable Food: Enough to last for a week.
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Lighting: Flashlights, candles, and extra batteries.
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Medications: A full supply of any prescriptions or critical health items.
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Power Sources: Battery-powered radios, portable power banks, or solar chargers.
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For Pets: Food, water, medications, and comfort items for at least 7 days.
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Entertainment for Kids: Games, coloring books, and toys to keep them occupied during outages.
“If you’re staying, you must be self-sufficient for days—sometimes weeks,” Mason cautions.
Plan for Evacuation
Deciding to leave? Prepare well in advance:
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Know Your Routes: Identify your primary and backup evacuation paths.
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Fuel Up: Keep your gas tank full. EV owners should map out charging stations.
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Pack a Travel-Ready Emergency Kit: Include essentials for the journey and upon arrival.
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Communicate Your Plan: Let family or friends know where you’re headed and how to reach you.
“It’s normal to feel anxious when a storm is coming,” says Shawn Schulze of the American Red Cross. “But having a plan—and knowing your family is ready—helps ease that fear.”
Insurance and Home Inventory
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Review Your Coverage: Make sure your home insurance includes wind and flood protection.
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Create a Home Inventory: Take photos or videos of belongings to support future claims.
Take It One Step at a Time
Mistie Hinote from the Texas Department of Insurance encourages people not to get overwhelmed: “It’s a lot, but if you start early and take small steps, you’ll be ready.”
By acting early—before the skies darken—families can reduce panic and face the hurricane season with greater confidence and safety.
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