When local officials issue a hurricane shelter-in-place order, they’re telling you to stay inside and protect yourself from dangerous winds, flooding, and flying debris. Your safety during this time really depends on choosing a secure spot, having the right supplies, and sticking to proven safety steps until the storm moves on.
Sheltering in place isn’t just about riding out bad weather at home. It takes some real prep work, like stocking up on an emergency kit and securing windows and doors. You want to minimize risk, but also make sure you have basics like food, water, light, and a way to communicate.
Experts who’ve tracked hurricanes for years keep saying the same thing: planning ahead makes a huge difference. If you get what a shelter-in-place order means, know how to prep your space, and have a plan for what to do inside, you can face a hurricane with more confidence.
Let’s break down the steps so you can stay safer when the storm hits.
Understanding Hurricane Shelter-in-Place Orders
During a hurricane, authorities sometimes tell people to stay indoors instead of evacuating. They base this on storm conditions, building safety, and how risky it would be to travel.
Knowing what these orders mean and how they’re different from evacuation helps you make safer choices.
What Is a Shelter-in-Place Order During a Hurricane
A shelter-in-place order during a hurricane means you need to stay inside a secure building until officials say it’s safe to leave.
This applies to homes, workplaces, schools, or any sturdy structure that can handle strong winds and heavy rain. The main goal is to keep you away from dangerous conditions outside.
When you shelter in place, you should:
- Avoid windows and glass doors
- Move to an interior room on the lowest safe floor
- Keep emergency supplies, food, and water close
- Monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center or local officials
This isn’t just “staying home”—it’s an official directive for your safety during an active threat.
When and Why Shelter-in-Place Orders Are Issued
Officials issue these orders when they decide evacuation is unsafe or not needed.
If hurricane winds and flooding make roads dangerous, traveling could put you at even greater risk. Sometimes, your area might not be in the worst danger zone but still faces damaging winds or storm surge.
They also use shelter-in-place orders when:
- The storm’s impact will be brief but intense
- Safe shelter is already close by
- Emergency crews need to keep roads clear
Local governments rely on forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, real-time weather, and infrastructure info. The order stays in effect until officials say the hazards are gone.
Differences Between Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place
Evacuation means you leave the area before or during a hurricane and go somewhere safer. It’s for situations where staying could be deadly, like in flood zones.
Shelter-in-place means you stay indoors where you already are, as long as your building is safe. It helps you avoid the risks of traveling through dangerous weather.
| Evacuation | Shelter-in-Place |
|---|---|
| Leave the area | Stay indoors locally |
| Used for extreme risk zones | Used when travel is unsafe or unnecessary |
| Requires transport and relocation | Requires securing current location |
Knowing the difference helps you follow the right instructions if a hurricane threatens.
Preparing Your Emergency Kit and Supplies
Having the right emergency supplies on hand really lowers your risk when you shelter during a hurricane. Reliable food, water, medical items, and backup power help you stay safe and comfortable if normal services go down.
Essential Items for Your Emergency Kit
A solid emergency kit should keep each person going for at least three days. Food and water are top priorities. Store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and cleaning up. Pick non-perishable foods like canned goods, protein bars, and ready-to-eat meals.
Don’t forget a manual can opener and some disposable utensils. A NOAA weather radio (battery or hand-crank) is a must for updates. Use flashlights with extra batteries instead of candles—candles can be a fire hazard.
A first aid kit should have bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and tape. Toss in pain relievers and any other over-the-counter meds your family uses. Keep everything in a waterproof container so flooding or leaks don’t ruin your supplies.
Medications and Hygiene Needs
If you have ongoing medical needs, pack a minimum 7-day supply of prescription meds. Keep them in the original bottles with labels, and add copies of prescriptions in case you need refills after the storm.
Hygiene matters too, especially if water service stops. Bring soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wet wipes, and feminine products. Disposable gloves are handy for cleaning up.
Caring for infants? Pack diapers, formula, bottles, and baby wipes. For elderly or disabled family members, include medical devices, spare batteries, or mobility aids. Store all hygiene and medical items in sealed plastic bags to keep them dry.
Tools and Equipment for Power Outages
Hurricanes tend to knock out the power. A portable generator can help keep essential appliances running, but always use it outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Charge up power banks or grab solar chargers for phones and small electronics. Stock up on extra batteries for flashlights, radios, and medical devices.
It’s smart to have a multi-tool, duct tape, and plastic sheeting for quick repairs. A paper map comes in handy if your GPS fails. Keep these tools where you can grab them fast during the storm.
Choosing and Securing Your Shelter Location
A safe shelter spot during a hurricane should protect you from high winds, flying debris, and flooding. The room needs to be structurally strong, easy to secure, and stocked with what you need to ride out the storm.
How to Select the Safest Room
Your best bet is usually an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. Think small hallways, closets, or bathrooms.
Rooms with reinforced walls and few openings lower your risk from debris. If you have a safe room built to FEMA standards, that’s the gold standard.
Skip rooms with exterior walls facing into the wind. Those spots are more likely to fail. If you can, pick a room with a solid-core door that locks or can be barricaded.
Sealing Off Rooms from Hazards
Strong winds can push rain and debris into tiny cracks. Sometimes, airborne stuff from damaged infrastructure can be a problem.
For extra protection, use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal vents and gaps. This works best for short-term sheltering when wind-driven rain or dust sneaks in.
Seal around door frames and cover windows from the inside if you don’t have storm shutters. Turn off central air to keep outside air out. Keep sealing supplies handy so you can act fast if needed.
Protecting Against Flooding and Debris
Flooding is a big threat during hurricanes, especially if you’re in a low-lying area. If your building floods easily, move to a higher floor, but still avoid rooms with big windows.
Install storm shutters or cover windows with plywood before the storm starts. Bring in or secure anything outside that could become a projectile.
Keep important stuff and electronics off the floor in case water gets in. Use sandbags or water barriers to steer shallow floodwater away from doors. Once you’ve secured the space, stay inside until officials give the all-clear.
Safety Protocols During the Shelter-in-Place Period
When a hurricane shelter-in-place order is active, focus on getting reliable info, using backup power safely, and taking care of basic health needs. Good communication, careful equipment use, and paying attention to personal safety help you get through until things calm down.
Staying Informed and Communicating
Keep up with official updates from the National Weather Service (NWS), local emergency managers, and FEMA. If the power’s out, battery-powered or hand-crank radios are your best bet.
Cell networks might get overloaded during storms, but texting usually works when calls won’t. Set up a family communication plan before the storm.
Charge your devices while you still have power. Use a portable power bank if you have one. Don’t trust random social media posts—false information spreads fast.
If emergency crews give new instructions, follow them right away. Sometimes conditions change and you might need to prepare for evacuation.
Managing Power and Generator Safety
If the lights go out, use portable generators for temporary power, but do it safely. Always run generators outside and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents. Never run them inside or in garages—carbon monoxide can kill.
Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Don’t plug a generator right into a home outlet; that can cause backfeed and put utility workers in danger.
Use generators only for essentials like fridges, medical gear, and communication devices. Conserve fuel and keep it stored safely, away from heat.
If you use candles, put them on stable spots and never leave them burning alone. Battery lanterns are just safer, honestly.
Maintaining Health and Wellbeing
Stay in an interior room with as few windows as possible to lower your risk from flying debris. Keep emergency supplies—water, non-perishable food, first aid kit—within easy reach.
The American Red Cross says you need at least one gallon of water per person per day. Store enough for a few days, just in case the order lasts longer than you expect.
Use hand sanitizer or wipes if you can’t access running water. If someone needs medication, make sure it’s close by and stays dry.
Check on vulnerable neighbors if you can do it safely, especially those with health or mobility issues. A quick call or text works—no need to risk going outside.
Family Disaster Planning and Special Considerations
Families can lower their risk during a hurricane shelter-in-place order by making detailed plans, preparing for pets and people with special needs, and practicing their response ahead of time. Clear communication, assigning jobs, and having supplies ready make sheltering less stressful and more organized.
Creating a Family Disaster Plan
A family disaster plan spells out where everyone will shelter, how you’ll keep in touch, and what supplies you’ll use. Write it down and keep it somewhere easy to find.
Everyone should know emergency phone numbers and have them saved in their phones. Keep a printed copy around in case you lose power.
Include a checklist of essential items like:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Food & Water | Bottled water, canned goods, manual can opener |
| Safety Items | Flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit |
| Communication | Battery-powered radio, cell phone chargers |
| Documents | IDs, insurance papers, medical records |
Review and update your plan at least once a year, or whenever something big changes in your life.
Accommodating Pets and Special Needs
Pets need their own supply kit with food, water, meds, and comfort items. If you might have to evacuate later, figure out pet-friendly lodging ahead of time.
For people with medical needs, make sure you have extra meds, equipment, and backup power ready. If someone relies on electricity for medical devices, plan for battery backups or know where to go if you lose power.
Caregivers should check in with local emergency services to see what resources are available. Written care instructions help others step in if the main caregiver can’t be there.
Role Assignments and Practice Drills
If you assign roles ahead of time, you’ll cut down on confusion during a storm. Maybe one person handles communication updates, while someone else keeps an eye on supplies. Someone else might take care of pets or kids.
Try running short practice drills to see how your plan holds up. You can set up the shelter area, check supplies, or even pretend the power’s out for a bit.
Drills usually help spot missing items or unclear responsibilities. Practicing makes it easier for kids and new household members to know what’s coming and how to stay calm.
After the Hurricane: Next Steps and Leaving Shelter
Even after the storm moves on, plenty of dangers stick around. Floodwaters, damaged buildings, live power lines, and blocked roads can all put you at risk. If you act carefully and keep in touch with local authorities, you’ll have a better shot at staying safe and getting back to normal sooner.
When It’s Safe to Exit
Wait for official clearance from emergency personnel before you leave your shelter. Local police, fire departments, or FEMA representatives usually give the all-clear. The National Hurricane Center and local emergency management offices share updates on the radio, TV, and through mobile alerts.
If there’s still an evacuation order, don’t go home just yet. Debris can block roads, and bridges might not be stable.
Before you step outside, remember to:
- Check for downed power lines in the area.
- Look over the building for any structural damage.
- Stay away from floodwater—it might have sewage, chemicals, or sharp debris in it.
If things look unsafe, stay inside and wait for more instructions.
Assessing Damage and Reporting Hazards
When you get outside, take a good look at your property from a safe distance before heading in. Watch for damaged roofs, leaning walls, or weird creaking sounds—those could mean the building might collapse.
If you see standing water inside, don’t rush in. It could be an electrical hazard. Only turn off the power at the main breaker if you’re sure it’s safe.
Report these hazards right away:
| Hazard Type | Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| Downed power lines | Local utility company or 911 |
| Gas leaks (smell of gas) | Gas company or fire department |
| Large debris blocking roads | Public works or local emergency office |
Take photos of any damage for insurance claims. You can also report issues to FEMA if you need disaster assistance.
Staying Safe During Recovery
After a hurricane, recovery can get risky—physically and environmentally. So, grab gloves, sturdy shoes, and whatever protective clothing you have. That way, you’re less likely to end up with cuts or scrapes.
Keep generators outside, far from doors or windows, at least 20 feet away. That’s the only way you’ll really avoid carbon monoxide sneaking into your home.
Food safety matters more than you might think. If you find perishable food left out for over two hours, just toss it. Don’t risk it. If you’re unsure about the water, boil it or treat it before drinking.
Don’t ignore your emotional health either. Reach out to friends, family, or even a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Cleanup and rebuilding are tough, and it’s okay to ask for help. Emergency hotlines are still open if you need someone to talk to.