Hurricane Season Tips

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. With the risk of more frequent and stronger storms increasing each year, ensuring your household and businesses are prepared is critical. Team IEM wants you to take the necessary proactive steps to stay informed, prepare your household, and be ready to weather future storms.

Use this page to help you strengthen your hurricane readiness with tips from our experts.

What to Do | What to Know | Before, During, and After a Storm

2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season in Review

The 2024 hurricane season has wrapped up. Since its start on June 1, this hurricane season proved to be as active as predicted, with above-average activity affecting regions across the Caribbean, Gulf Coast, and Southeast United States, as well as Central America.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton were the strongest to impact the U.S. this year, with Beryl, Debby, and Francine also causing significant damage earlier in the season. In total, this hurricane season we saw:

18 named storms
11 hurricanes
5 major hurricanes

What To Do – Preparing Your Household

Preparedness Basics
Preparedness is key during hurricane season. Ensuring your family and home are prepared this season is vital in mitigating your risk, reducing recovery time, and increasing resilience. 

Here are some first steps you can take to begin your household readiness efforts: 

Know your risk – Determine what risk you face in your home and the places you frequent. Remember to check if you live in or frequent flood-prone areas. 

Create an emergency plan – Determine the steps your household should take in response to disasters and other emergencies. Make sure everyone is familiar with your plan. 

Build and maintain an emergency kit – Stock up on emergency supplies including food, water and medications for everyone in your home, including pets. Maintain the kit by regularly replenishing used items and replacing expired items. 

Sign up for & enable alerts – Sign up for local weather alerts and enable emergency alerts to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and news 
Emergency Plan
Does your family know what to do during a hurricane or an emergency? Creating a household emergency plan helps ensure your family knows how to respond before, during and after a storm.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when making an emergency plan:

Know your zone and the specific risks you face in your area, including whether you are in flood-prone areas.

Create a communications plan to use in case your family is separated, and plan how you will reunite if so.

Determine your evacuation route and shelter locations in case an evacuation order is issued.

Consider the specific needs of everyone in your household, including differences based on age, access and functional needs, language barriers, and dietary and medical needs.

Include the needs of your pets in your planning, considering what supplies you need and how you would evacuate with your pets.
Emergency Kit
Building and maintaining an emergency supply kit that is specific to your family and household is key. This week, Team IEM wants to help you get your emergency kit ready and up to date.

Use this list to stock your kit, making sure to include your pets and to adapt it as necessary based on your household’s specific needs. Make sure to pack your kit with enough supplies to last for several days:

Drinking water – At least 1 gallon per person per day

Food – A supply of non-perishable foods and pet food

Medications – Over the counter and prescription medications

Flashlights – Keep backup batteries and replacements in case of power outages

First aid kit – Bandages, anti-septic, and other first aid supplies

Radio – Hand-crank or battery powered radio to keep track of weather reports!
Evacuation Planning
Team IEM encourages you to take the necessary precautions if your local officials place evacuation orders. Some key things to consider:

Know your evacuation route. Have backup evacuation routes ready in case of road closures.

Locate emergency shelters in advance as part of your emergency plan. If you have pets, pay attention to whether shelters are pet friendly.

Practice your evacuation routes with your household and pets.

Monitor local news and follow local officials to stay up to date on evacuation orders.

Only evacuate when you are ordered to do so. Don’t evacuate if it is not necessary to avoid clogging roadways.
Evacuation Shelters
When evacuation orders are issued, time is of the essence. Prepare now and consider your family’s specific needs in the event you need to evacuate to a shelter.

Think about accessibility for household members with access and functional needs and determine if you need options that allow service animals or are fully pet friendly. Remember that some shelters may accept service animals but not pets.

Use these resources to help you locate possible evacuation shelters:

Federal Disaster Assistance Shelter Needs

Red Cross Disaster Shelter Locator

HUD Disaster Shelter Locator

Text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 – e.g., Shelter 01234

Extra tip: Have several shelter options prepared just in case certain shelters become full or blocked or hard to reach due to road closures.
Child Preparedness & Kid-Friendly Tips
Preparedness means the whole household is ready for a hurricane or other disaster, including kids. Make your children part of your household preparedness planning and ensure they know how to respond when the time comes.

Use these tips to help young ones learn basic hurricane preparedness:

Review your emergency plan together, making sure to use age-appropriate language.

Go over your communications plan and teach your kids how to respond if you are separated

Perform practice drills together as a family to practice how to shelter-at-home and evacuate

Find kid-friendly and age-appropriate resources to go through together

Help children pack a go-bag to keep on hand in case of evacuation
Pet Preparedness
It’s important to include your pets in your emergency plans. Make sure to consider the needs of your furry, scaly, and feathered friends as you review your household preparedness needs.

Keep these pet preparedness tips in mind:

Include pet food, water, medications, and other essential pet supplies (e.g., leashes, collars) in your emergency kit.

Locate pet-friendly shelters in the area in case of evacuation.

Plan your evacuation strategy accordingly with your specific pet needs. Consider how you will transport your pets and what items will be needed during a shelter stay.

Check with family or neighbors to plan who can care for or evacuate your pet if you are unable.

In case of separation, keep updated photos of pets and ensure they are microchipped or have ID tags or collars with your contact information.

Store pet documents securely in a weatherproof container along with other important household documents.
Insurance
Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause untold damage that is costly to recover from. Ensure your home and property are protected with adequate insurance coverage if you live in a disaster- or flood-prone area.

Follow these tips to ensure you are properly protected:

Determine what hazards you are at risk for. Is your home in a flood zone or near coastal areas that could be affected by storm surge?

Obtain homeowners/renters insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance. Remember that flood insurance must be purchased separately.

Review your policies regularly to ensure they continue to meet your needs.

Store important insurance documents in waterproof containers.

Document your property and belongings with photographs in case you need to file a claim.

Explore retrofitting options to see how you can reduce your risk and save money.
Financial Preparedness
A key piece of readiness is financial preparedness. Implement these tips into your household preparedness efforts to lessen the financial burden of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Create an emergency savings or rainy-day fund.

Regularly add to the emergency savings, even by small amounts, to build the funds over time.

Slowly stock your emergency kit by taking advantage of sales, coupons, and tax-free days.

Review your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for the risks you face.

Document your belongings in case you need to file a claim later.
Getting Tech Ready
Technology is a helpful tool that is all around us. Take advantage of the tech you have by integrating it into your preparedness planning and processes.

Use these tips to make sure you are tech-ready during hurricane season:

Create a communications plan outlining how you will stay connected with your household and loved ones during a storm. Text messages, social media, and email can keep you connected.

Keep your devices charged at all times, especially when severe weather is forecast. Make sure you have portable chargers and use power-saving options when necessary.

Back up your data, including important insurance and household documents, to the cloud or a portable thumb drive.

Download helpful apps including the FEMA app, weather apps, and others that can help you stay in touch.
Emergency Kit Foods - Non-Perishable Items to Include
Maintaining a ready to go emergency kit is a must during hurricane season. When it’s time to stock up on essential supplies for your kit, it is important to include a variety of non-perishable food items that meet the needs of everyone in your household.

Need help getting ideas on what food to include? Below are some suggestions for you! Remember, keep dietary restrictions in mind for everyone in the home and regularly check your kit for expired items. Make sure to consider pets and their food as well!

Canned goods (e.g., canned meats, tuna)

Trail mix and nuts

Dry cereal or granola

Dry or canned fruit

Honey, peanut butter, jelly

Rice crispies and rice cakes

Canned juice

Instant coffee or tea

Protein or fruit bars

Powdered milk

Bottled or canned water

Infant foods, including formula

Pet food

What To Know – Awareness & Resources

Know Your Risk
Being prepared for hurricane season means knowing the threats and risks you face. Don’t be caught off-guard by tropical storms or hurricane threats.

Team IEM encourages you to know your risk:

Determine if you are at risk of flooding or storm surge. Check FEMA’s flood maps regularly to keep up with flood zone updates.

Check your risk at home and at places you frequent, including your workplace, school, daycares, gyms, etc.

Remember even locations far inland can be affected by tropical storm and hurricane conditions.

Stay up to date with weather forecasts and alerts to know when storm impacts are imminent.
Verifying information
It’s critical to stay informed about the latest storm threats with good, reliable information that is factual and verified.

Use these tips to make sure you stay in the know this hurricane season:

Check time stamps – Is the information a recent update or is it outdated? Remember social media algorithms may affect when you see a post or update.

Check the source – Is the account, agency, or organization sharing the update a reliable source? Beware of false accounts and scammers.

Check for scams – Is the information legitimate? Keep in mind that after disasters, scammers may try to take advantage of the situation and target survivors.
Emergency Warnings and Alerts
It’s vital you stay informed and take the necessary precautions to weather future storms.

Team IEM encourages you to sign up for emergency warnings and alerts, follow instructions, and stay up to date with all local weather hazards.

Use these resources:

FEMA mobile app

NOAA Weather Radio

Look up your local weather service to sign up for alerts relevant to your area.
Watch vs Warning
Understanding storm alerts and notices is crucial for your preparedness efforts and storm readiness. Know the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING for hurricane (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) and tropical storm (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) conditions.

WATCH – Hurricane or tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified areas within 48 hours. Take this time to begin any remaining preparations and get prepared for impact.

WARNING – Hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified areas within 36 hours. Ensure all preparations are completed, and stay informed with any directions from local officials, including evacuation orders.
Flooding Response
With heavy rainfall caused by tropical storms and hurricanes, flooding is a major risk during hurricane season. Floodwater can be incredibly dangerous and cause devastating loss of life and property, including far inland.  

Team IEM encourages you to be safe and prepared. Keep these flood tips in mind this hurricane season:

Stay informed about incoming storm threats with local emergency alerts and weather forecasts. 

Know your zone. Make sure you know whether you live, work or frequent areas that are prone to flooding. Use the latest flood maps to stay up to date on any flood zone changes.  

Create an emergency plan and an evacuation plan. Practice it with your household so everyone is familiar with the proper steps you must take to stay safe.  

Keep an emergency go-bag stocked with evacuation essentials including food, clothing, and medications.  

If you are in a flood zone, evacuate as quickly as possible once evacuation orders are issued.  

Don’t walk, swim, or drive in floodwater. Turn around, don’t drown! 
Mental Health
Disasters and their aftermath can cause untold effects on mental health.   Throughout hurricane season, negative feelings including stress and anxiety can be heightened by the risk of storm impact. After a disaster strikes, these negative feelings can be amplified due to the recovery process and associated stressors.

Take care of your mental health during hurricane season. Practice these self-care tips:

Get enough rest – Give your mind and body a break by making sure you are resting and sleeping enough.

Reach out to loved ones – Stay connected to family and friends and lean on them for support when needed.

Stay informed – Stay up to date with weather forecasts so you can mentally prepare for possible impact.

Disengage from stress-inducing content – Avoid “doom scrolling” through distressing disaster footage. Try to only consume media that is necessary to stay informed, such as weather reports and local guidance.

Locate resources – Avoid last-minute panic or feeling overwhelmed by determining which resources you may need during a disaster ahead of time. Ensure you know how to access them when needed.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
If you are impacted by a hurricane or tropical storm, you might qualify for FEMA disaster assistance to aid you in your recovery. Make sure you understand how to apply before a storm strikes your area and save this information in case you need it.

Check out the Disaster Assistance website at: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Use the FEMA mobile app: https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products

Call the FEMA Helpline at: 800-621-3362
Disaster-Related Scams
Post-disaster, it is crucial that you remain vigilant and are cautious of scammers seeking to take advantage of vulnerable individuals by offering fraudulent services, false claims, or attempting to steal personal information. Whether you were directly affected by a storm or want to help relief efforts, scams can target anyone.

Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself and loved ones from scams:

Watch out for unlicensed repair work – Make sure contractors are legitimate and trustworthy before hiring them and ensure the repair work is completed satisfactorily before paying in full.

Be wary of illegitimate charities – Before donating money, check to make sure the organization is a verified charity. Try to stick with reputable organizations like the American Red Cross, NVOAD, the Salvation Army, and other verified charitable groups.

Be cognizant of potential imposters – Make sure that government officials, safety inspectors, and utility workers are who they say they are by checking their identification, verifying credentials, and confirming with their respective agencies, if necessary.
Weather Reports and Forecasts
Staying up to date on the latest forecasts and weather reports keeps you informed and ready for potential storm impacts, giving you more time to prepare.

Stay safe throughout hurricane season with these resources:

National Hurricane Center

NOAA Weather Radio

FEMA Mobile App

Don’t forget to find your local weather services and sign up for alerts specific to your area, too!

Before, During, and After a Storm

Before a storm – Impact is Imminent
What do you do if a tropical storm or hurricane is headed your way? You make sure your household is prepared. When a storm is forecast to impact you in the imminent future, stay safe and be storm-ready with these last-minute preparation tips:

Check your emergency kit to ensure you are well stocked with food, water medications and other emergency supplies.

Charge your devices, including cell phones, portable batteries, rechargeable flashlights, and any medical equipment

Clear your patio and yard of any debris and unsecured items, including furniture, trash bins, and potted plants.

Check your emergency plan for your evacuation routes and potential emergency shelters.

Listen to directions from local officials regarding evacuation orders, road closures, and safety recommendations.
Evacuation Tips – Planning and Executing an Evacuation
Creating an evacuation plan ahead of time is essential to ensure you and loved ones are ready to go as soon as an evacuation order is issued in your area.

Use these evacuation tips to help inform your evacuation game plan. Start planning your evacuation now to be ready if the time comes and keep your family safe.

Keep a go-bag ready for everyone in your household – Include essentials like clothing, food, and water.

Research where you will be evacuating to – Are you heading to family, a hotel or an emergency shelter? Do you need to find pet-friendly options?

Determine your evacuation route – Don’t forget to have backup routes planned, too.

Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season.

Try to evacuate your household in just one vehicle to avoid clogging the roads

When an evacuation order is issued in your area, leave as quickly and safely as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to leave.
During a storm – Impact is occurring
When a storm or hurricane hits, it’s important you know what to do and how to stay safe. Consider your storm readiness plans & ensure you know how to respond when facing strong winds, rain, and other hazardous conditions.

Heed guidance from local officials.

Stay tuned in to weather reports and alerts.

If you are ordered to evacuate, do so as quickly and safely as possible.

Don’t clog the roads by evacuating when you are not directed to do so as it may impede other evacuation efforts.

If you are not ordered to evacuate, shelter in place and have supplies on hand for at least 3 days.

Find a safe location inside your home, preferably an interior room with no doors or windows.

Don’t walk, drive, or swim in flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.
After a storm – Impact has passed
Staying safe is always important – even after a storm has passed. Strong winds and rain can cause damage that remains dangerous when the weather clears. Team IEM reminds you to use caution and take care when cleaning up or returning to your home after a tropical storm or hurricane.

A few reminders to help you be safe after a storm:

Only return home when local officials direct it is safe to do so.

Don’t drive, walk, or swim in floodwaters, even if it is no longer storming.

Avoid downed wires and wet electrical equipment or cables.

Document property damage by taking photos around your home.

Wear protective clothing, including boots and long pants, when cleaning up.

Check your emergency kit and take stock of what items may need to be replenished.

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