before the hurricane arrives:
LAST MINUTE STORM PREP
When a hurricane is on its way, every moment counts. Whether you’ve been preparing for days or are just getting started, the final steps you take before the storm arrives can make a big difference in keeping your home and family safe. This is the time to secure your property, gather essential supplies, and make sure everyone knows what to do when the winds start to pick up. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, following these last-minute preparation tips will help you stay calm, stay focused, and ensure you’ve done everything you can to be ready before the hurricane hits.
Stay Informed and Connected
As the hurricane approaches, staying informed about its path, intensity, and any changes in evacuation orders is critical. Make sure you’re tuned into reliable sources for real-time updates. Local news channels, weather apps, and emergency alert systems will keep you updated on the storm’s progress. If you haven’t already, sign up for local emergency alerts on your phone, so you can receive notifications directly from authorities.
Now is also the time to make sure your devices are fully charged. Phones, tablets, and power banks should all be at 100% in case the power goes out. This will ensure you can stay in touch with loved ones and keep track of emergency information. If you have portable chargers or backup batteries, get those ready as well.
Finally, double-check your family communication plan. Make sure everyone knows the plan for staying in touch, especially if phone lines go down. Establish a primary point of contact outside the storm area and make sure all family members know how to reach them. Being connected—both to emergency services and to each other—will help you stay informed and provide peace of mind.
Secure Your Home
With the storm fast approaching, it’s time to focus on safeguarding your home from high winds and flying debris. If you haven’t already, this is the moment to board up windows and doors. Storm shutters are the best defense, but if you don’t have them, plywood works well to cover large windows and sliding doors. Securing these areas will protect your home’s interior from shattered glass and other damage.
Don’t forget about the outdoor areas. Bring inside anything that could become a projectile in strong winds, like patio furniture, grills, garden tools, or potted plants. Even small items can cause significant damage when swept up in a hurricane. If you can’t bring something inside, like a large outdoor structure, tie it down as securely as possible.
Another key step is checking your gutters and drains one last time. Ensure they’re clear of debris, so rainwater can flow freely away from your home. Blocked gutters can lead to flooding or roof damage if water has nowhere to go.
Finally, if local officials or your utility company advises you to turn off utilities, do so. Shutting off water, gas, or electricity can prevent additional damage if flooding or structural issues occur. Being proactive about these final steps can significantly reduce potential damage to your home.
Gather Final Supplies
In the final hours before the hurricane arrives, make sure you have all the supplies your family will need to ride out the storm. Check your food and water stockpile—ensure you have enough non-perishable food to last at least three days, along with a gallon of water per person per day. If you’ve already gathered these essentials, take a moment to add any last-minute items, such as extra ice for coolers, fresh fruit, or snacks that don’t require refrigeration.
Medications are another priority. Make sure you have at least a week’s supply of any prescription medications, along with basic over-the-counter items like pain relievers, allergy medicine, and a fully stocked first-aid kit. If you rely on medical devices that require power, have backup batteries or portable chargers on hand.
Now is also the time to secure important documents. Place IDs, insurance policies, birth certificates, and other vital records in a waterproof container or ziplock bag. Keep these documents easily accessible in case you need to leave quickly.
Finally, don’t forget cash. ATMs and card payment systems may be unavailable if the power goes out, so having cash on hand will ensure you can purchase essentials if needed. By gathering these final supplies, you’ll feel more prepared and ready for whatever the storm brings.
Evacuation Preparation
If evacuation orders have been issued or you live in a flood-prone or coastal area, it’s crucial to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The earlier you can evacuate, the better—traffic and road closures can quickly complicate a last-minute departure. Make sure you know your designated evacuation route and have an alternative in case the main route becomes impassable.
Have your evacuation kit ready to go. This should include essentials like food, water, clothing, and any necessary medications for each family member for at least three days. If you’re evacuating with pets, don’t forget their needs—pack pet food, water bowls, a leash or carrier, and any medications they require. It’s also a good idea to bring along familiar items, like toys or blankets, to keep them calm during the journey.
Keep your vehicle fully fueled and loaded with any important documents, cash, chargers, and emergency supplies. Before leaving, make sure your home is as secure as possible—lock doors, board windows, and turn off utilities if instructed to do so by local authorities. If you’re staying with friends or family, make sure they know your ETA and stay in touch during your trip.
Evacuating early will not only help you avoid the worst of the storm but will also give you peace of mind knowing that your family and pets are safe.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Before the hurricane hits, your vehicle needs to be ready for any scenario—whether you’re evacuating or sheltering in place and may need to drive later. Start by ensuring your gas tank is full. Gas stations often run out of fuel or close during hurricanes, and you don’t want to be caught without enough gas to evacuate or drive after the storm.
Next, check that your vehicle’s emergency kit is complete. Include essentials like a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, and a flashlight with extra batteries. You’ll also want to have a first-aid kit, blankets, and some extra water and snacks in case you get stuck in traffic or encounter delays on the road. If you’re traveling with children or pets, pack comfort items and anything they might need during the trip.
Double-check your tires, windshield wipers, and brakes to make sure everything is in good working order. If a quick vehicle check-up is possible before the storm hits, it’s worth doing for peace of mind. Make sure your phone is fully charged and consider having a car charger or power bank available so you can stay connected in case you lose power.
Finally, map out your evacuation route ahead of time. Check for any road closures or detours and be prepared to take alternate routes if needed. Knowing your way ahead of time will reduce stress and confusion if the storm worsens unexpectedly.
By taking these steps, you’ll be ready to hit the road quickly and safely, whether it’s for evacuation or essential trips after the storm.
Shelter in Place (If Not Evacuating)
If evacuation isn’t necessary or advised for your area, it’s important to know how to shelter in place safely. The key to riding out the storm is finding the safest spot in your home and making sure you have everything you need to stay secure and comfortable until the hurricane passes.
Choose a safe room in your home—an interior, windowless room on the lowest level, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Avoid rooms with windows, skylights, or exterior walls, as these can be the most dangerous during strong winds and flying debris. Gather your emergency supplies—flashlights, food, water, and a battery-powered radio—so everything is within reach in your shelter area.
Since hurricanes often lead to power outages, prepare to lose power. Have flashlights or battery-powered lanterns ready (avoid using candles, as they can be a fire hazard). Make sure you have extra batteries and that your phone and other devices are fully charged, with portable chargers or power banks on standby.
Once the storm hits, stay indoors and away from windows or glass doors. Resist the urge to go outside, even during the calm of the eye of the storm, as conditions can quickly worsen again. Keep listening to weather updates on your battery-powered radio or phone to know when it’s safe to come out.
Sheltering in place can feel nerve-wracking, but by preparing your space and staying informed, you’ll have the peace of mind to weather the storm safely.
Stay Calm and Ready
In the final hours before the hurricane arrives, it’s natural to feel anxious or overwhelmed. However, staying calm and focused is one of the most important things you can do. You’ve taken all the right steps to prepare—now it’s time to trust your plan and be ready for the storm.
Do a final check of your supplies, home, and evacuation kit to make sure everything is in place. Confirm that all windows and doors are secured, your emergency kit is easily accessible, and your family members know the plan, whether it’s sheltering in place or evacuating.
Take a moment to communicate with loved ones. Touch base with family or friends outside the storm zone to let them know your status. This ensures that people are aware of your location and plan, giving both you and them peace of mind.
Mentally prepare for the fact that power may go out, and things might get noisy or frightening. It’s normal for storms to be loud and unsettling, but remember that you’ve done everything you can to keep your family safe. Focus on staying informed by listening to updates and making sure everyone is comfortable.
Keeping a calm mindset in these last moments helps set the tone for your family, especially children, who may be scared or anxious. Reassure them that the storm will pass and remind them that you’re ready for whatever happens.
By staying calm and collected, you’ll be able to navigate the storm with confidence, knowing you’ve done all you can to protect your family and home.
CONCLUSION
Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. By following these last-minute steps, you’ve done everything you can to protect your home, your family, and yourself. Whether you’re sheltering in place or evacuating, staying informed and ready will help you navigate the storm safely.
Remember to rely on your plan, keep your supplies close, and trust that the precautions you’ve taken will make a big difference. Most importantly, follow any instructions from local officials and emergency services—they are there to guide you through the storm.
Stay safe, stay calm, and know that, together, we can weather any storm that comes our way.
