When you’ve got two weeks before a hurricane, you actually have time to prepare without panicking. The main goal here is to lower your risk, protect your stuff, and make sure you can meet your basic needs if everything goes sideways and services go down.
If you act early, you can stock up on supplies, reinforce your home, and come up with a clear plan for evacuation or sheltering in place.
It all starts with understanding the specific hazards hurricanes bring to your area, whether it’s high winds, flooding, or long power outages. Knowing what you’re up against shapes every decision—where you’ll shelter, which supplies you’ll need, and how you’ll keep important documents safe.
Once you’ve got a plan, you can focus on building a solid emergency kit, getting your home ready for wind and water, and setting up backup power or ways to communicate. Doing this ahead of time gives you a better shot at staying safe and keeps last-minute chaos to a minimum.
Understand Hurricane Risks and Alerts
Hurricanes can slam you with strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding. The danger depends on where you live, how strong the storm gets, and how well you prepare.
If you know your area’s risks and how to read alerts, you’ve got a much better chance of protecting your home and your family.
Know Your Local Hurricane Risk
Risk really depends on geography. If you’re near the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic, you’re in the highest danger zone during hurricane season.
But don’t relax if you live inland—damaging winds, flooding, and even tornadoes can still hit you.
Low-lying spots are especially at risk for storm surge. Even a Category 1 hurricane can push water far inland, flooding roads and homes.
Check out local flood maps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or your emergency management office. These maps show you the places most likely to flood.
The type of building matters too. Mobile homes, older places, and homes without wind-resistant features face a higher risk. Know if your house meets current hurricane safety codes.
Difference Between Hurricane Watch and Warning
The National Weather Service (NWS) puts out two main hurricane alerts:
| Alert Type | Meaning | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Watch | Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. | Usually issued 48 hours before expected tropical storm-force winds. |
| Hurricane Warning | Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. | Usually issued 36 hours before expected tropical storm-force winds. |
A hurricane watch tells you to look over your evacuation plan, get supplies ready, and start securing your property.
A hurricane warning means you’re almost out of time—dangerous conditions are coming soon. Finish your preparations and get out if officials say so.
Both alerts mean sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. The main difference is how certain and urgent things are.
Monitor Trusted Weather Sources
Getting accurate info is everything. The National Hurricane Center (part of NOAA) posts official forecasts, maps, and updates.
You should rely on:
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Local TV and radio
- Official NWS and National Hurricane Center websites
- Reputable weather apps
Don’t trust random social media posts. They often spread old or flat-out wrong info.
Check updates a few times a day if a storm could head your way. Forecasts change as new data rolls in, and acting early always helps.
Create a Comprehensive Emergency Plan
A good emergency plan keeps things clear and helps you make fast decisions. Your plan should lay out who does what, how you’ll communicate, evacuation routes, and how you’ll look after vulnerable family members and pets.
Write the plan down, share it, and practice before the storm hits.
Establish a Family Emergency Plan
Figure out how your family will communicate if cell service goes down. Choose someone outside the danger zone as your main contact.
Everyone should know where to meet if your home isn’t safe. Maybe it’s a neighbor’s place, a shelter, or another agreed spot.
Write emergency phone numbers down and keep copies in wallets, phones, and on the fridge. Ready.gov says to review this at least once a year.
Assign jobs to each person, like grabbing supplies or locking up windows. This keeps things from getting chaotic and helps you cover all the bases.
Develop an Evacuation Plan
Pick out two or more evacuation routes in case one gets blocked. Use paper maps—not just GPS—since cell networks might not work.
Know where official shelters are, especially if you live in hurricane-prone areas. Check if they take pets or have medical help.
Keep a printed list of shelter addresses and directions in your emergency kit.
If you’re driving, make sure your car is fueled up and in good shape. Ready.gov recommends keeping at least half a tank during hurricane season to avoid the last-minute rush.
Expect traffic and leave early if officials tell you to evacuate.
Prepare for Pets and Special Needs
Pets need their own supplies: food, water, meds, and proof of shots. Store these in something waterproof.
Small pets should have carriers, and big ones need sturdy leashes or harnesses. Find out which shelters or hotels will take your pets ahead of time.
If someone in your home has special medical needs, set up backup power for devices like oxygen machines or mobility aids.
Keep a list of medical contacts, prescriptions, and care instructions in a waterproof folder. That way, you’re not scrambling if you have to leave or stay somewhere new.
Share and Practice Your Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and their part in it. Go over it together and update things if your family, health, or location changes.
Drive your evacuation routes during the day and at night. Test out your communication methods, including walkie-talkies if you have them.
Share your plan with extended family, friends, or caregivers. If your main contacts can’t reach you, someone else should know what to do.
Practicing makes the whole thing feel less overwhelming and helps you avoid mistakes when the pressure’s on.
Build and Maintain Emergency Supplies
Having the right supplies on hand makes a huge difference during and after a hurricane. You might lose power, stores could close, and water might not be safe, so focus on food, water, medical stuff, tools, and hygiene.
Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food and Water
Non-perishable food doesn’t need a fridge and will last. Canned veggies, beans, tuna, and ready-to-eat soups work well. Dry goods like rice, pasta, and oatmeal are also good if you can cook them.
Water is absolutely essential. Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for three days, but two weeks is better. This covers drinking and basic cleaning.
A manual can opener is a must if the power’s out. Keep food in a cool, dry spot and check expiration dates every few months. Rotate supplies so you don’t end up tossing old stuff.
Prepare a First Aid Kit and Medications
A solid first aid kit helps you treat cuts or scrapes when you can’t get to a doctor. Pack bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tape, tweezers, gloves, a thermometer, and some painkillers.
Keep prescription meds in something waterproof. You’ll want at least a two-week supply, plus copies of your prescriptions.
If you use medical devices that need batteries, stash extras. For chronic conditions, make sure you have what you need—like inhalers or insulin storage.
Gather Essential Tools and Equipment
You’ll need reliable light sources if the power goes out. Put flashlights in several rooms and keep extra batteries. Battery lanterns are great for bigger spaces.
A NOAA weather radio with batteries or a hand crank keeps you connected to official updates. A multi-tool or basic toolkit can fix small problems.
Other handy items:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Duct tape | Quick repairs, sealing drafts |
| Plastic sheeting | Covering broken windows, stopping leaks |
| Portable power bank | Charging your phone or small devices |
| Work gloves | Safe debris cleanup |
Store tools together in a spot you can reach easily.
Include Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies
Hygiene is important if water shuts off. Pack toilet paper, wipes, soap, and hand sanitizer. Don’t forget feminine hygiene products if you need them.
Heavy-duty trash bags and sealable plastic bags help with waste. In flood zones, a portable camping toilet isn’t a bad idea.
Keep enough cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces, especially if flooding happens. Bleach, disinfectant wipes, and gloves should be dry and sealed in waterproof containers.
Strengthen and Secure Your Home
High winds, flying debris, and flooding can do serious damage in a hurricane. Protecting windows, doors, your roof, and the yard lowers the risk of major problems. Even small fixes can help your home survive the storm better.
Install Storm Shutters or Board Up Windows
Windows are usually the weakest part of a home during hurricanes. Broken glass lets in wind and rain, which can wreck your interior.
Permanent storm shutters made from aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate give the best protection. Make sure they’re rated for hurricanes.
If you don’t have shutters, use exterior-grade plywood at least 5/8-inch thick. Cut panels to fit each window and label them so you’re not fumbling around.
Fasten plywood with heavy-duty screws or expansion bolts. Tape on glass? It doesn’t really help.
Boarding up windows also helps keep the house’s pressure balanced, which lowers the chance of losing your roof or walls.
Secure Outdoor Items and Landscaping
Anything loose outside can turn into a missile in strong winds. Bring patio furniture, grills, and decorations indoors or anchor them down.
Checklist for outdoor items:
- Bring in lightweight furniture
- Tie down heavy stuff
- Move or store trash bins, tools, and toys
Trim trees and shrubs to get rid of weak branches. That way, limbs are less likely to crash into your house or power lines.
Clear out yard drains so water can flow away from your home. This helps reduce flooding from heavy rain or storm surge.
Reinforce Doors and Garage
Exterior doors should have three hinges and a deadbolt lock that goes at least one inch into the frame. If your door frame feels flimsy, strengthen it with a metal kit.
The garage door is usually the biggest and weakest point. If wind gets in there, it can blow your roof off.
Install bracing or upgrade to a hurricane-rated garage door. Check that the tracks are solid and rollers work smoothly.
Seal the bottom of doors to keep out wind-driven rain and minor flooding.
Check Roof and Gutters
The roof takes the biggest beating in a hurricane. Fix loose shingles or tiles, and make sure the roof sheathing is nailed down tight.
Get a licensed contractor to check for weak spots. They might recommend hurricane straps or clips to anchor the roof better.
Clean out gutters and downspouts so rainwater drains fast. Blocked gutters can send water right into your attic.
If you’re in a storm surge zone, make sure roof drainage moves water away from your foundation to help prevent flooding.
Prepare for Power Outages and Communication Loss
Hurricanes often knock out the power and cell service, making it tough to get updates or keep your gear running. If you set up backup power, keep electronics charged, and have ways to communicate, you’ll be in much better shape if things go dark.
Test Generators and Backup Power
Homeowners really should run their generator at least once before a storm just to make sure it’ll start and run the way it should. That means checking fuel levels, oil, and those filters too.
They need to store enough fuel in approved containers, away from living spaces. Rotating or stabilizing fuel keeps it from going bad.
Backup battery systems like portable power stations should be charged up ahead of time. These can keep your small appliances, medical gear, or communication devices running if your main generator fails.
If you use a generator, always run it outside, far from windows and doors. That helps prevent carbon monoxide from getting inside.
A carbon monoxide detector in the house adds another layer of safety, and honestly, it’s a must.
Charge Devices and Backup Batteries
About two weeks before a hurricane, check that your phones, tablets, and laptops actually hold a charge and work. If you’ve got frayed or sketchy charging cables, swap them out right away.
Charge up extra power banks or rechargeable battery packs and stash them somewhere easy to grab. Bigger ones will keep your stuff running for days if the power’s out.
It’s smart to have car chargers handy too. If you’ve got fuel and can run your car outdoors safely, it can work as a backup charging spot.
Keeping devices charged means you’ll get weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), local emergency services, or utility outage maps.
Have Portable Radios and Flashlights Ready
A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio can give you the latest updates even if your cell network goes down. Radios with alert features can sound an alarm when new warnings come in.
Test your flashlights, and keep extra batteries somewhere dry and easy to reach. LED flashlights last longer and shine brighter than the old ones.
Skip the candles—they’re just a fire risk. Headlamps are a lifesaver when you need both hands for repairs or moving around in the dark.
With radios and flashlights ready, you’ll catch critical updates and move around safely during an outage.
Review Insurance and Important Documents
Having the right insurance coverage and protecting your important records can make things a lot less stressful after a hurricane. If you’ve got clear records, accessible funds, and updated policies, bouncing back after damage or flooding just goes smoother.
Check Homeowners and Flood Insurance
Two weeks before a storm hits is really your last good chance to review your insurance. Most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you might need a separate flood policy.
Make sure your coverage limits actually match the value of your home and stuff. Check for wind, hail, and storm surge coverage, since those details can change from one policy to another.
Call your insurance agent to clear up any questions about deductibles or waiting periods. Here’s a quick table to track what’s covered:
| Coverage Type | Included in Policy? | Notes / Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Damage | Yes / No | |
| Flood Damage | Yes / No | Requires separate policy |
| Personal Property | Yes / No |
Keep both a digital and printed copy of your policy somewhere safe. That way, you’re not stuck if the internet or power goes out.
Safeguard Important Papers
Put your essential documents in a waterproof, fire-resistant container. This means:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Passports and IDs
- Property deeds and titles
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Insurance policies
Scan these papers and save them to an encrypted cloud account as a backup.
Label folders clearly and keep them where you can grab them fast if you have to leave. A tidy, compact system really saves time when you’re in a rush.
Have Cash on Hand
After a hurricane, ATMs and card readers might be down for days. Keeping small bills handy lets you buy fuel, food, and essentials when cards won’t work.
Store your cash in a secure, waterproof pouch with the rest of your emergency kit. You don’t need a fortune—just enough for a few days of basics.
Split the cash into smaller envelopes to avoid losing everything at once. That way, you still have some money if you misplace one envelope.
Stay Informed and Ready to Act
Getting reliable info and acting quickly can really help you stay safe and limit damage during a hurricane. People who keep tabs on trusted weather sources and know where to turn for help make better decisions when things get unpredictable.
Sign Up for Local Alerts
Two weeks before a hurricane, set up a few different alert options. Sign up for local emergency notifications from your city or county—they’ll send texts, calls, or emails about evacuations and safety updates.
The National Weather Service (NWS) sends out hurricane watches, warnings, and advisories. A NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup can alert you even if the power or internet goes out.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) hit most cell phones automatically for urgent threats. Double-check your phone settings to make sure you get those.
Having at least two different alert sources means you’ll still hear important messages if one system fails.
Know Community Resources and Shelters
Before the storm, figure out which designated hurricane shelters are nearby and how you’d get there. Local emergency management websites and offices usually have maps and instructions.
Some shelters accept pets, but not all. If you have animals, ask ahead and find out which places allow them.
Check which shelters are set up for people with medical needs or disabilities. Some have backup power for medical devices or fridges for medicine.
Public libraries, community centers, and local government offices often hand out printed guides with shelter locations and transportation details. Keep a paper copy just in case you can’t use your phone or computer.
Understand Potential Hazards Like Tornadoes
Hurricanes sometimes spin up tornadoes, especially out in the outer rainbands. These tornadoes can show up fast and usually stay hidden by heavy rain.
The NWS puts out tornado watches and warnings, even when a hurricane’s still going on. It’s important to know the difference:
- Watch – Conditions look right for tornadoes.
- Warning – Someone spotted a tornado or radar picked one up. You need to get to shelter right away.
The safest spot during a tornado is an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. If you’re in a mobile home or temporary structure, those aren’t safe—you should move to a sturdier building before the storm hits.
Keep an eye on both hurricane and tornado alerts, since they can happen together.