A hurricane preparedness checklist helps you get your home, family, pets, and emergency supplies ready before a storm is on the way. In South Florida, preparation matters because hurricane season can bring high winds, heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and flying debris with little time to react once a storm is forecast.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity usually occurring from mid-August through mid-October. That means the best time to prepare is before hurricane season begins now, not when everyone is rushing to buy water, batteries, plywood, fuel, and emergency supplies.
This checklist will walk you through what to prepare, what to pack, how to protect your home, and when to think about longer-term upgrades like impact windows and doors.
Start With a Family Emergency Plan
Before you build a hurricane kit or secure your property, make a family emergency plan. Supplies are important, but your family also needs to know where to go, how to communicate, and what to do if you lose power, internet, or cell service.
Your family emergency plan should include:
- Where you will shelter during a storm
- Whether you are in an evacuation zone
- The nearest official shelter locations
- A safe place to meet if family members get separated
- Phone numbers for family, neighbors, doctors, schools, and employers
- An out-of-town emergency contact
- A plan for pets
- A plan for children, older adults, or family members with medical needs
- How you will receive emergency alerts
- What each person is responsible for before the storm
Make sure every family member knows the plan and knows where the emergency kit is located. Keep a printed copy of important phone numbers because your cell phone may lose power or service.
Know Your Evacuation Zone
South Florida homeowners should know their evacuation zone before hurricane season begins. Evacuation orders are usually based on storm surge risk, flooding risk, and local emergency management guidance.
If your area is ordered to evacuate, leave early enough to avoid last-minute traffic and unsafe road conditions. Make sure your car’s gas tank is full before the storm approaches, and keep emergency supplies in the vehicle as well as at home.
If you plan to go to a shelter, check ahead to understand what you can bring. Shelters may have limits on bedding, pets, food, medical equipment, and personal belongings.
Build a Hurricane Supply Kit
A hurricane supply kit should include enough food, clean water, medications, and basic supplies for several days. Florida emergency guidance encourages residents to prepare for at least seven days when possible, especially because power outages, blocked roads, flooding, and supply shortages can continue after the storm passes.
Store your emergency kit in easy to carry containers so you can move it quickly if you need to evacuate. Use airtight plastic bags or waterproof containers to protect important documents, medications, batteries, and other items that could be damaged by water.
Water and Food Supplies
Water is one of the most important items in your hurricane kit. A good baseline is at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation. In South Florida’s heat and humidity, some households may need more.
Your water and food supplies should include:
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Several days of non perishable food
- Canned goods
- Shelf-stable meals
- Protein bars or energy bars
- Peanut butter or other easy foods your family normally eats
- Baby food and formula, if needed
- Pet food and pet supplies
- Manual can opener
- Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
Choose food your household will actually eat. During an emergency, familiar foods can make the situation easier, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with dietary restrictions.
First Aid Kit and Health Supplies
Your first aid kit should be easy to find and stocked before hurricane season begins. Check expiration dates regularly and replace anything that is missing or outdated.
A basic first aid kit may include:
- Bandages
- Sterile gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relievers
- Medical tape
- Gloves
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Instant hand sanitizing gel
- Disinfectant wipes
- Moist towelettes
- Contact lens solution
- Prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Copies of medical records
- A list of allergies
- A list of prescriptions and dosages
- Information for doctors, pharmacies, and caregivers
If anyone in your household uses medical devices, make sure you have backup power, charging cords, batteries, and any supplies needed to operate the equipment safely.
Hygiene and Sanitation Items
Storms can interrupt clean water, sewer service, trash pickup, and power. Include basic hygiene items so your household can stay clean and comfortable.
Pack items such as:
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers and wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Moist towelettes
- Trash bags
- Plastic ties
- Paper towels
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Manual sanitation supplies, if needed
Power, Light, and Communication Supplies
During a hurricane, power outages can last for hours, days, or longer. Your kit should include reliable ways to see, charge devices, and receive updates.
Pack:
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- NOAA weather radio
- Cell phone chargers
- Portable power banks
- Car chargers
- Hand crank radio
- Battery powered lanterns
- Whistle to signal for help
Do not rely only on your cell phone for emergency updates. A NOAA weather radio or battery powered radio can help you receive information if internet or mobile service goes down.
Important Documents to Protect
Keep important documents in airtight plastic bags or a waterproof container. You may also want digital backups stored securely in the cloud, but physical copies are important if power or internet service is unavailable.
Important documents may include:
- Driver’s licenses
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Insurance policies
- Homeowners insurance documents
- Mortgage or lease documents
- Medical records
- Prescription information
- Pet vaccination records
- Emergency phone numbers
- Bank and credit card information
- Vehicle registration
- Photos or video of your home and belongings for insurance purposes
Review your insurance policies before hurricane season so you understand your coverage, deductibles, flood insurance status, and claim process.
Cash and Everyday Essentials
Power outages can affect ATMs, card readers, gas stations, and stores. Keep cash in small bills with your emergency supplies.
You may also want:
- Cash in small bills
- Keys
- Local maps
- Reading glasses or spare glasses
- Contact lens solution
- Rain gear
- Work gloves
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- Change of clothes
- Sturdy shoes
- Duct tape
- Plastic sheeting
- Multi-purpose tool
- Waterproof matches or lighter
- Booster cables
- Basic tools
Pet Supplies
Pets need their own emergency supplies. Do not wait until a storm is close to look for pet food, medication, crates, or vaccination records.
Your pet kit should include:
- Pet food
- Clean water for pets
- Bowls
- Leash and collar
- Crate or carrier
- Medications
- Pet vaccination records
- Waste bags or litter
- Comfort item or toy
- Recent photo of your pet
- Contact information for your veterinarian
If you may need to evacuate, confirm pet-friendly shelter options or make arrangements with a hotel, friend, or family member in advance.
Prepare Supplies for Home, Work, and Your Car
A hurricane kit at home is important, but it may not be enough. Prepare smaller emergency kits for work and your car so you have basic supplies if you are away from home when conditions change.
Your car kit may include:
- Bottled water
- Non perishable snacks
- Phone charger
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Rain gear
- Booster cables
- Tire inflator or pressure gauge
- Blanket
- Basic tools
- Printed emergency contacts
- Copies of important documents
- Cash
Before a storm, fill your car’s gas tank and avoid unnecessary travel once conditions begin to deteriorate.
Prepare Your Home Before Hurricane Season
A complete hurricane preparedness checklist should include your home’s structure and exterior. Many storm-related problems start with loose outdoor items, weak openings, clogged drainage, or neglected maintenance.
Before hurricane season:
- Trim trees and branches near the house
- Clear loose yard items
- Bring patio furniture indoors
- Secure trash cans and garden tools
- Clean out gutters and downspouts
- Check drainage around the home
- Consider sandbags in flood-prone areas
- Inspect roof shingles or tiles
- Check seals around windows and doors
- Test locks and latches
- Review garage door strength
- Confirm storm shutters are working, if you use them
- Take photos or videos of your property for insurance records
Do not wait until a hurricane is approaching to start exterior maintenance. Contractors, supplies, and inspection appointments may be harder to access once the season is active.
Protect Windows, Doors, and Garage Doors
Windows, doors, and garage doors are some of the most vulnerable parts of a home during a hurricane. High winds and flying debris can damage weak openings, allowing wind and rain to enter the home.
Homeowners may use different types of opening protection, including:
- Impact windows
- Impact doors
- Impact-rated garage doors
- Hurricane shutters
- Storm shutters
- Plywood, when no other approved option is available
Impact windows and doors provide permanent protection because they are built into the home. Unlike storm shutters, they do not need to be installed or closed before every storm. This can reduce last-minute stress and help protect the home even if a storm forms quickly or the homeowner is away.
Secure Windows & Doors installs hurricane impact windows and doors for South Florida homeowners who want long-term storm protection, improved security, noise reduction, and a cleaner look for their property.
Why Impact Windows Are a Long-Term Preparedness Upgrade
Impact windows are designed with laminated glass and reinforced frames to help resist flying debris and severe weather. If the glass is struck, the laminated interlayer helps hold it together and maintain the home’s protective barrier.
Impact windows can support hurricane preparedness by helping protect against:
- Flying debris
- Broken glass
- Wind intrusion
- Water damage around openings
- Last-minute shutter installation
- Security concerns
- Outside noise
They may also improve energy efficiency and comfort by helping reduce heat transfer, depending on the product, installation quality, and condition of the home.
Impact windows do not replace the need for an emergency kit, evacuation plan, insurance review, or common-sense storm preparation. They are one important part of a larger preparedness strategy.
72 Hours Before a Storm
When a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast, begin preparing early. Conditions can change quickly, and supplies may become limited.
About 72 hours before potential impact:
- Review your family emergency plan
- Check your evacuation zone
- Monitor local emergency management updates
- Refill prescriptions
- Confirm pet plans
- Check your hurricane supply kit
- Buy missing supplies
- Charge portable power banks
- Fill your car’s gas tank
- Bring loose outdoor items inside
- Take photos of your home and belongings
- Confirm contact information for family members
48 Hours Before a Storm
About 48 hours before expected impacts:
- Secure storm shutters if needed
- Check impact windows and doors are locked
- Move patio furniture and plants indoors
- Set your refrigerator and freezer to colder settings
- Freeze water bottles to help preserve food
- Wash clothes and dishes
- Fill bathtubs or containers with water for sanitation, if advised
- Put important documents in waterproof storage
- Review shelter or evacuation plans
- Confirm supplies for children, pets, and medical needs
24 Hours Before a Storm
About 24 hours before the storm:
- Stay off the roads unless evacuating
- Keep phones charged
- Keep your NOAA weather radio nearby
- Move to your safe place if sheltering at home
- Keep emergency supplies accessible
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Keep pets inside
- Avoid using candles if possible
- Follow local emergency management instructions
If officials issue an evacuation order for your area, follow it. Do not stay in a storm surge zone or unsafe structure.
During the Storm
During the storm, stay indoors and away from windows, even if you have impact windows. Impact products add protection, but you should still avoid standing near glass during severe weather.
Stay in an interior room or safe place away from exterior walls and openings. Keep your emergency kit nearby, monitor official updates, and do not go outside during the eye of the storm. Conditions can become dangerous again quickly.
After the Storm
After a hurricane, wait for official guidance before going outside or returning home. Many injuries happen after the storm because of downed power lines, floodwater, debris, damaged structures, and unsafe roadways.
After the storm:
- Avoid floodwater
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Do not use generators indoors or in garages
- Check on family members and neighbors
- Inspect your home carefully
- Photograph damage before cleanup
- Contact your insurance company if needed
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs
- Check windows and doors for damage
- Watch for leaks or water intrusion
- Follow boil water notices or local safety alerts
If you notice damage to your impact windows or doors, document it and contact the appropriate warranty provider or installer for next steps.
Plan Ahead for Hurricane Season
The best hurricane preparedness happens months before a storm is forecast. If your home still relies on old windows, aging doors, damaged shutters, or weak openings, start planning early.
Impact window and door projects require time for consultation, measurements, product selection, ordering, permitting, delivery, and installation. While timelines vary by project, Secure Windows & Doors recommends planning around a realistic 12-week window so your home is not rushed right before hurricane season.
Secure Windows & Doors offers free estimates and 18-month interest-free financing through Wells Fargo for qualified customers. Our family-owned team has more than 44 years of experience installing hurricane impact windows and doors in South Florida.
Hurricane Preparedness FAQs
When Does Hurricane Season Start in Florida?
Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. Peak activity is usually from mid-August through mid-October, but storms can happen outside the peak period.
How Early Should I Prepare for Hurricane Season?
Start preparing before June 1. Build your emergency kit, review your family emergency plan, check your insurance policies, inspect your home, and schedule any major upgrades before storm activity increases.
How Much Water Should I Store?
A common recommendation is at least one gallon per person per day for several days. Florida homeowners are encouraged to prepare for at least seven days of supplies when possible.
What Should Be in a Hurricane Supply Kit?
A hurricane supply kit should include clean water, non perishable food, a first aid kit, medications, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA weather radio, important documents, hygiene items, pet supplies, cash, chargers, and basic tools.
Do Impact Windows Replace the Need for Storm Shutters?
Impact windows are designed to provide permanent opening protection, so they can eliminate the need to install storm shutters over those windows. However, any remaining unprotected openings, including doors and garage doors, still need proper storm protection.
Should I Stay Near Impact Windows During a Hurricane?
No. Even with impact windows, stay away from glass during severe weather. Shelter in an interior room or safe place and follow local emergency guidance.
How Long Does It Take to Install Impact Windows Before Hurricane Season?
Project timelines vary based on the number of openings, product selection, permitting, manufacturing, and installation scheduling. Secure Windows & Doors recommends planning around 12 weeks for a well-managed project.
Schedule a Free Estimate for Impact Windows and Doors
A strong hurricane preparedness checklist includes both emergency supplies and long-term home protection. If your current windows and doors are old, poorly sealed, or not impact rated, Secure Windows & Doors can help you explore options for hurricane impact windows and doors.
With more than 44 years of experience, our team provides professional installation, high quality products, honest pricing, and clear communication for South Florida homeowners.
Contact Secure Windows & Doors at (305) 513-0705 to schedule your free estimate for impact windows and doors before the next hurricane season.
