Surviving a hurricane requires preparation, quick decision-making, and calmness. Here’s a clear, actionable guide to help you stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane:
🌪 BEFORE A HURRICANE
1. Make a Plan
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Know your evacuation route and where you’ll go (shelter, friend’s house, hotel, etc.).
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Designate a family emergency contact outside the storm zone.
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Plan for pets—most shelters don’t accept them.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Include:
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Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3+ days)
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Non-perishable food (3+ days)
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Flashlights, batteries, phone chargers
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First aid kit
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Prescription meds, hygiene supplies
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Important documents (ID, insurance) in a waterproof container
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Cash (ATMs may be down)
3. Secure Your Home
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Board up windows with plywood or install storm shutters.
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Bring in outdoor furniture and anything that could become a projectile.
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Check your roof and doors—reinforce if needed.
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Fill your car with gas.
4. Stay Informed
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Download a weather app or NOAA radio.
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Monitor updates from local officials or the National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov).
🌀 DURING A HURRICANE
If You’re Ordered to Evacuate:
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Leave immediately. Don’t wait. Roads may flood quickly.
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Follow designated routes—shortcuts may be blocked or dangerous.
If You’re Staying:
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Stay indoors and away from windows.
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Take shelter in a small, windowless interior room (bathroom or closet).
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Don’t go outside even if it seems calm—it may be the eye of the storm.
🌧 AFTER THE HURRICANE
1. Stay Put Until It’s Safe
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Listen to local authorities before leaving your shelter.
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Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and flooded roads.
2. Avoid Floodwater
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Don’t walk or drive through it. It can carry debris, disease, or electricity.
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“Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
3. Inspect Your Home
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Take photos of any damage for insurance claims.
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Don’t use wet electrical devices—get them checked first.
4. Take Care of Health & Safety
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Drink only bottled or boiled water until officials say tap water is safe.
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Use generators outside only to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you know a hurricane is coming, early preparation is key.
Here’s a personalized Hurricane Survival Checklist to help you get fully prepared. I’ll break it down into three categories: Essential Supplies, Home Preparation, and Evacuation Plan.
✅ HURRICANE SURVIVAL CHECKLIST
🧰 ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES (3–7 Days Minimum)
Water
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☐ 1 gallon per person per day
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☐ Water purification tablets or filters (optional)
Food
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☐ Canned or dried food (ready to eat)
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☐ Manual can opener
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☐ Baby food/formula (if needed)
First Aid & Health
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☐ First aid kit
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☐ Prescription medications
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☐ Over-the-counter meds (pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, etc.)
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☐ Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, feminine products, wipes)
Power & Light
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☐ Flashlights or headlamps (not candles)
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☐ Extra batteries
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☐ Fully charged power banks for phones
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☐ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio)
Other Important Items
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☐ Cash (ATMs/credit cards may not work)
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☐ Important documents in waterproof bag (ID, insurance, deeds)
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☐ Face masks & hand sanitizer
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☐ Extra clothes, blankets, rain gear
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☐ Pet supplies (food, carrier, leash)
🏠 HOME PREPARATION
Before the Storm
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☐ Secure windows (storm shutters or plywood)
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☐ Bring inside all loose outdoor items
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☐ Trim trees/shrubs near house
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☐ Turn refrigerator to coldest setting
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☐ Fill bathtubs/sinks with water (flushing & washing)
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☐ Fill your car’s gas tank
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☐ Charge all electronics
Shut Down Utilities (if directed)
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☐ Turn off propane tanks
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☐ Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity
🚗 EVACUATION PLAN
Know Your Zone
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☐ Check if you live in an evacuation zone (ask me if you’re not sure)
Plan Your Route
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☐ Know the nearest shelters and routes
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☐ Avoid low-lying or flood-prone roads
Go Bag (Evacuation Kit)
Pack in a backpack:
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☐ ID and insurance cards
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☐ Snacks & water
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☐ Flashlight
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☐ Phone charger
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☐ Medications
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☐ First aid supplies
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☐ Spare clothes
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☐ Copies of prescriptions, documents
