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Hurricane emergency kit checklist
Build your kit before a storm is on the way: when a hurricane approaches, store shelves empty fast. Keep it in an easy-to-carry bag or bin and check expiration dates every 6 months.
The basics (at least 3 days, ideally a week)
- Water: one gallon per person per day, for drinking and basic hygiene.
- Non-perishable food: canned goods, tuna, beans, crackers, cereal, nuts, and a manual can opener.
- Prescription medicines for at least 7 days, plus copies of prescriptions.
- First aid kit: bandages, gauze, antiseptic, pain relievers.
- Flashlight and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio if possible), with spare batteries.
- Power bank, fully charged, and charging cables.
- Important documents in a waterproof bag: IDs, insurance policies, deeds, medical records.
- Cash in small bills: card readers and ATMs fail when the power is out.
Also useful
- Change of clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
- Hygiene items: soap, toilet paper, sanitizer, masks, feminine supplies.
- Whistle to signal for help, duct tape, heavy-duty trash bags.
- A written list of family and emergency phone numbers (don't rely only on your phone).
- Spare house and car keys.
- What babies, older adults or people with disabilities need: diapers, formula, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, medical equipment.
- Food, water, leash, carrier and vaccination records for your pets.
When a watch or warning is issued
- Fill your car's gas tank and get some cash.
- Charge every phone and power bank.
- Fill clean containers with drinking water; fill the bathtub for washing and flushing.
- Bring in or tie down anything the wind can throw: patio furniture, grills, trash cans.
- Keep your kit by the door and follow instructions from local officials.
Based on public guidance from FEMA/Ready.gov, the National Weather Service and emergency management agencies. Local officials may give additional instructions: always follow them.