The Complete Hurricane Supply Checklist

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Building your kit before the season starts means you can buy calmly, compare prices, and fill gaps a little at a time instead of competing for the last case of water.

Plan for at least several days without power, running water, or open stores. After major storms, some neighborhoods wait much longer, so many families in hurricane-prone areas prepare for a week or more.

Water

• Drinking water: a common guideline is one gallon per person per day, plus extra for pets, cooking, and hygiene.
• Extra water for flushing toilets if your water service is interrupted: fill bathtubs or large containers before the storm.
• Water purification tablets or a filter as a backup.

Food

• Shelf-stable foods that need no cooking: canned meats and beans, peanut butter, crackers, cereal, dried fruit, nuts, and protein bars.
• A manual can opener: the most-forgotten item on most lists.
• Food for infants, special diets, and pets.
• Paper plates, cups, and utensils so you don't waste water on dishes.

Power and light

• Flashlights and headlamps (one per person) with extra batteries.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio.
• Power banks for phones, charged before the storm.
• A generator, if you have one, with fuel stored safely: see our generator safety guide before you run it.

First aid and health

• A stocked first-aid kit.
• At least a two-week supply of prescription medications, if your pharmacy and insurance allow an early refill.
• Glasses, contacts and solution, hearing-aid batteries, and any medical devices with backup power.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen: you'll likely be cleaning up outdoors in the heat.

Documents and money

• Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical information in a waterproof bag, plus digital copies stored in the cloud.
• Cash in small bills. ATMs and card readers don't work without power.
• A printed list of important phone numbers.

Tools and cleanup

• Work gloves, heavy-duty trash bags, and a tarp.
• Basic tools and duct tape.
• A fire extinguisher.
• Bleach or disinfectant for cleanup.

Things people forget

• Fill your car's gas tank before the storm arrives.
• Refill propane for the grill (and never use a grill indoors or in a garage).
• Freeze water bottles to keep your fridge and freezer cold longer.
• Take photos of your home and belongings for insurance before the storm.
• Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations that could become projectiles.

Store it so you can grab it

Keep supplies together in sturdy bins with lids. Label them, and check them at the start of every season: replace expired food, water, and batteries, and refresh medications. If you might evacuate, keep a smaller go-bag with essentials for each person.

Follow local emergency management and National Hurricane Center guidance for your area. If officials tell you to evacuate, go.