Hurricane Supply List and Preparedness Tips

Date Published: March 25, 2025

Hurricanes are powerful, unpredictable storms that can cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure and threaten lives. Forming over ocean water and often moving toward land, hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge (rise in water level), flooding and tornadoes. These storms can cause damage far inland.

When a hurricane is on its way, diligent preparation reduces the risk of harm — increasing safety and security during the storm. One of the most critical steps in preparing for a hurricane is assembling a hurricane preparedness kit and items from your hurricane supply list.

2. Secure Your Home

Hurricanes can bring high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris. Securing your home protects your property and reduces the potential for damage. Here are several things you can do:

• Windows and Doors: Install hurricane shutters or cover windows and glass doors with plywood. This will prevent windows from shattering due to strong winds and flying debris. Close and secure all windows and doors, including those in garages and basements.
• Roof and Gutters: Inspect the roof for loose shingles or tiles. Replace or secure anything that could be dislodged by wind. Clean the gutters so water can flow freely and avoid potential flooding from clogged downspouts.
• Garage Doors: Garage doors are vulnerable during high winds. If your garage door is not wind-resistant, consider reinforcing it with hurricane braces, which will prevent it from buckling under the pressure of strong gusts.
• Outdoor Items: Secure outdoor items like furniture, grills, garbage cans, and any other objects that could be picked up by high winds. Tie down large structures like swing sets or gazebos.
• Flood Prevention: Consider taking additional measures if you live in a flood-prone area. Sandbags can divert floodwaters away from your property. Elevate appliances or electrical systems to prevent water damage.

If you plan to stay home during the hurricane, read our other Hurricane Safety guide as well.

3. Plan for Evacuation

Sometimes, the best option during a hurricane is to evacuate, especially if you're in an evacuation zone or live in a vulnerable location. Knowing when and how to leave is critical.

• Evacuation Routes: Know local evacuation routes and shelters ahead of time. Use maps and GPS apps to avoid road closures or areas affected by flooding.
• Family Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan with family members and loved ones. Confirm everyone knows where to go in case of evacuation and how to get in touch. Assign one person to be the point of contact for the family in case of separation.
• Important Documents: Before you evacuate, pack essential documents, including IDs, insurance papers, birth certificates, medical records, and anything else that may be difficult to replace after a disaster. Store them in a waterproof bag for extra protection.
• Pets: Not all evacuation shelters accept pets, so make plans for your pets' safety. Identify pet-friendly shelters in advance or arrange a pet sitter or kennel. Bring necessary pet supplies like food, water, leashes, and carriers. We even have an online cat and dog first aid course you can enroll in!

4. Prepare Your Car and Emergency Kit

If you live in an area that might require you to evacuate, your vehicle is essential for getting to safety. Fuel up, check your vehicle (tires, brakes, oil, and windshield wipers), and stock your car emergency kit. Your car emergency kit should include:

• First aid supplies
• Extra clothing and blankets
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables and essential car tools
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Phone charger (or portable power bank)

In addition to the standard items, consider including special items for infants, elderly family members, or those with medical conditions.

5. Prepare for Power Outages

During hurricanes, power outages are common. Here’s how to prepare:

• Battery-powered Flashlights: Have flashlights or lanterns on hand for light. Battery-powered lights are safer than candles, which can cause fires if left unattended.
• Charge Devices: Charge your phones and other electronic devices ahead of time so you can stay informed and in contact during a power outage. If you have a power bank or solar charger, make sure it’s fully charged.
• Portable Generator: If you live in an area prone to extended outages, consider purchasing a portable generator. Follow safety instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

6. Plan to Shelter Safety

If you stay during the storm, prioritize your safety. Avoid going outside during the hurricane, even if it seems calm. Doing so could expose you to high winds and flying debris.

• Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for a long time.
• Practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not likely to flood.
• If you are in an area that is likely to flood, designate a location on higher ground that you can move to before floodwaters reach you.

Pre-Packaged Hurricane Preparedness Kits

Hurricane Supply List

A hurricane kit should have everything you need to sustain yourself during the storm and its aftermath. While you may need to customize your hurricane kit based on your specific needs, the following hurricane supply list is a good way to get started:

Emergency Kit Essentials

• Battery-powered Radio or Hand-crank Radio: A NOAA Weather Radio is an excellent option to stay updated on weather conditions and emergency broadcasts.
• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, medications, and other supplies for treating minor injuries or illnesses.
• Flashlights and Batteries: Power outages are common during hurricanes, so make sure you have a reliable flashlight and extra batteries.
• Non-perishable Food: Canned goods, granola bars, and ready-to-eat meals that do not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Portable Power Bank and Charger: Keep your mobile devices charged in case of power loss.
• Water: At least one gallon of water per person daily for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation).

Personal Items

• Clothing and Blankets: Pack clothing suitable for the weather, including warm clothes, rain gear, and extra blankets or sleeping bags.
• Important Documents: Store copies of essential documents — IDs, insurance policies, medical records — in a waterproof bag.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Toiletries such as soap, toilet paper, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
• Prescription Medications: Pack enough medication to last several days and include copies of your prescriptions.

After you gather basic supplies for your hurricane kit, add unique things each member of your family may need, such as:

• Baby supplies (e.g., bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Games and activities for children
• Manual can opener
• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Pet supplies (e.g., collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two-way radios

Other Useful Items

• Cash: ATMs may be down during a hurricane, so having cash on hand is essential.
• Chargers: Remember to bring chargers for your phone, laptop, and other necessary electronics.
• Duct Tape and Plastic Sheeting: For minor repairs or to seal windows or doors.
• Local Maps: If GPS fails, having a paper map can help you navigate evacuation routes.
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: For basic repairs or handling unexpected tasks.

Why You Need an Emergency Hurricane Kit

The risks associated with hurricanes can vary in severity and impact, but they can disrupt everyday life and require preparation.

• Power Outages: Hurricanes cause widespread power outages due to high winds, fallen trees, and damaged power lines.
• Flooding: Floodwaters can rise quickly and unexpectedly, damaging homes, disrupting transportation, and contaminating drinking water—particularly dangerous in coastal areas and low-lying regions. Flooding can make roads impassable, block store access, and leave you stranded in your home.
• High Winds and Flying Debris: Strong winds, sometimes exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h) can uproot trees, cause structural damage, and send debris flying. Flying debris, such as tree branches, glass, and roof tiles, is one of the leading causes of injury and death during hurricanes.
• Storm Surges: Storm surges are responsible for a large portion of hurricane-related fatalities and can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. If you live in a coastal area or an evacuation zone, you may be forced to leave your home to avoid a storm surge.
• Limited Access to Emergency Services: Hurricane damage can overwhelm local emergency services, making it difficult to access help immediately. Flooded roads, downed power lines, and obstructed communication lines can all delay emergency response efforts.
• Medical Emergencies: Injuries from flying debris, accidents caused by flooding, or complications from chronic health conditions (like asthma or diabetes) can happen anytime. Limited access to hospitals and medical facilities can make it harder to get medical care during a storm.
• Psychological Stress: The stress and anxiety of preparing for, enduring, and recovering from a hurricane can take a mental toll.
• Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation: Without clean water, drinking, cooking, and hygiene become significant concerns, and illnesses can spread quickly.

Don’t wait until the last minute to gather your supplies; now is the time to prepare. The American Red Cross offers ready-made hurricane kits for emergency preparedness. These kits include the essentials to stay safe and weather the storm.