Hurricane season brings predictable destruction year after year. Yet countless people still get caught off guard when storms approach (or they ignore the warnings). We’re technically two months in already with the 2025 Atlantic season is already forecast to be above normal, and predictions of 17 to 25 named storms. But the peak of the season is right around the corner, starting in mid-August, which means plenty of chances for serious trouble to reach your doorstep! Here’s what to know.
[Editor’s note: Before I forget, you might be interested in the hurricane-specific resources I keep here. There’s a PDF guide, checklist, information about floodwater cleanup, and more.]
Pre-Storm Actions That Matter
Most hurricane prep happens when there’s no storm in sight. Waiting until a hurricane warning gets issued puts you in competition with thousands of other people for the same supplies and services.
Window Protection: Your windows are the weakest part of your home. High winds turn debris into missiles that can punch through glass and let the storm inside. Once that happens, your roof becomes vulnerable to uplift forces that can peel it right off!
Permanent hurricane shutters offer the best protection but cost serious money. Plywood works as a budget option if you cut and label pieces ahead of time. Store them somewhere dry and mark which window each piece covers. The last thing you want is to measure and cut plywood in high winds because this can put you directly in a dangerous situation.
Essential Supplies: The standard advice calls for three days of supplies. That’s not enough anymore. Recent storms like Hurricane Helene knocked out power and water for weeks in some areas. Plan for at least seven days, preferably two weeks.
Water storage tops the list. One gallon per person per day covers minimal drinking and basic sanitation. Don’t rely on being able to purchase bottled water from the store when a storm threatens. Fill bathtubs, sinks, and any clean containers you can find.
[Editor’s note: I always recommend stockpiling more water than you think because things happen, including damage/contamination, extra mouths to feed, and water needs beyond basic survival. Shoot for five gallons per person per day if possible.]
Food should focus on items that don’t need cooking or refrigeration. Canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, and energy bars store well. Don’t forget a quality manual can opener, utensils, bowls, paper plates, and garbage bags.
Medications deserve special attention. Get prescriptions filled early and keep extras on hand. Pharmacies may be closed or unreachable for days or weeks after a storm passes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you always have a week or more of crucial medications on hand at all times.
Power backups matter more than most people realize. Portable power stations can keep phones charged and run small appliances, especially fans and small refrigerators. Solar panels let you recharge during the day if the sun’s out, but don’t expect sunny days until the storm has fully passed. Battery-powered radios become critical when cell towers go down.
[Editor’s note: Power is a game-changer. I remember my mother and her friends had this problem a few years back when she was in Florida. Although you can limp by with less, and maybe charge your phone from your car, a small portable power station (as much as I don’t like the relative expense compared to DIY options) may be a worthy investment.]
Smart Evacuation Planning
Authorities recommend heeding their warnings to get out before a storm comes, though many people choose to remain for a number of reasons. That said, if you find yourself needing to evacuate when the storm is already underway, you’ll want to stay safe. Here’s a short video showing how quickly things can get bad, even in a vehicle:
The demonstration shows just how dangerous even shallow moving water can be for vehicles. It’s a reality check that could save your life.
Evacuation decisions need to be made early and based on facts, not emotions. If local officials tell you to leave, do it. Period. They have access to storm surge models and wind forecasts that show exactly what’s coming.
[Editor’s note: I’d imagine those folks who suffered through Hurricane Helene will tell you they should’ve evacuated sooner.]
Interstate vs. Local Options: Heading to another state makes sense if you have reliable connections there. Family or friends who can house you and your pets, potentially for weeks, offer the best option. Hotels book up fast and cost adds up when you don’t know how long you’ll be gone, but it’s probably still better than sticking it out at home.
Sometimes moving to higher ground within your area works better than long-distance travel. After all, getting stuck in evacuation traffic during a storm approach puts you in more danger than sheltering locally. Know your options ahead of time!
What to Take: Essential documents should be in waterproof containers. Insurance papers, identification, medical records, and bank information need to travel with you. Photos of your property taken before any damage may help with insurance claims later.
[Editor’s note: It’s wise to keep up with photos/videos of your property and belonging. I’d say do it yearly no matter what, though right before a storm is good too.]
Cash becomes valuable when power grids fail and credit card systems don’t work. Keep a few hundred to several dollars in small bills in your emergency kit.
Understanding Flood Dangers
Flooding kills more people in hurricanes than wind does. Storm surge gets the attention, but inland flooding causes serious problems too. Heavy rains can turn normally dry areas into raging torrents within hours as we saw with the Texas floods.
Contamination Risks: Floodwater isn’t just water. It may contain sewage, chemicals, fuel, and assorted debris that make it a toxic soup. Even shallow water can harbor deadly bacteria and viruses and so much more that it should never be consumed, even if filtered. Worse, cuts or open wounds exposed to floodwater can lead to serious infections.
Standing water also hides hazards you can’t see. Manholes get displaced, creating hidden holes that can swallow a person. Downed power lines can electrify water for significant distances. Sharp debris waits just below the surface. It’s a real mess out there.
Why Rescue Is Dangerous: Emergency responders can’t reach you during the height of a storm. Once sustained winds hit 39 mph, most fire departments ground their vehicles. Ambulances can’t navigate flooded roads. You’re on your own until conditions improve.
That makes self-rescue equally dangerous. People regularly drown trying to walk through moving water that “looks” manageable. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet. Twelve inches can carry away a car.
[Editor’s note: This is, again, why it’s crucial to plan and act before things get bad. I know it’s easy for me to say, and who knows how I might react in the moment, but it’s difficult to act rationally without having thoughts things through at least a little bit. Thus, I encourage you to sit down with your spouse/family and talk things out. Consider what supplies you might need, where/when you might evacuate, what you might do if you can’t get out, and so on.]
Timeline and Lessons Learned
Start your preparations now, before storms threaten. Use hurricane season as a deadline, not a starting point. When a storm gets named and heads your way, focus on final details like boarding windows, topping off fuel tanks, and stocking up on water and non-perishable foods.
The lessons from Hurricane Helene show how storms can devastate areas hundreds of miles inland. Western North Carolina got hit harder than many coastal areas, with some communities cut off for weeks or longer. Traditional thinking about hurricane impacts doesn’t apply anymore.
Final Preparations: Communication plans need backup options. Cell towers fail regularly in major storms. Invest in weather radios and establish meeting points with family members. Simple plans work better than complex ones when stress levels spike.
Don’t assume anything about utilities or services after a storm passes. Plan as if you’ll be completely on your own for at least a week since such a mindset leads to better decisions and more thorough preparation.
Hurricane readiness isn’t about surviving one specific storm. It’s about building resilience for whatever combination of wind, water, and chaos comes your way. The time to build that resilience is now, while the skies are clear and the stores are stocked.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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