WHEN THE
WIND PICKS UP,
we've got a plan.
Big winds. Bigger consequences. Everything you need to know before, during, and after a hurricane. No panic. Just preparation.
NOT JUST A LITTLE WIND.
Hurricanes bring more than powerful winds. Storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, and prolonged power outages can threaten communities far from the coast.
Storm Surge
Ocean water pushed inland by a storm can cause life-threatening coastal flooding. Follow local evacuation instructions.
Damaging Winds
High winds can damage roofs, break windows, topple trees, and cause extended outages.
Inland Flooding
Heavy rainfall can produce dangerous flooding well inland, even outside high-risk flood zones.
BEFORE. DURING. AFTER.
Three stages. One goal: keeping you and the people you care about safer. Select a stage to explore the essentials.
01 BEFORE THE STORM +
Know your risk
- Check your local evacuation zone and flood risk.
- Identify multiple evacuation routes and a safe destination.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts.
- Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and warning.
Prepare your home
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects.
- Inspect roofs, gutters, shutters, and drainage.
- Protect windows with appropriate storm shutters or approved coverings.
- Move valuable belongings above expected flood levels when safe.
- Photograph your home and important possessions.
Prepare your household
- Build an emergency supply kit with water, food, medications, lighting, and first aid.
- Include supplies for children, older adults, pets, and medical needs.
- Charge devices and backup batteries.
- Store copies of important documents in a waterproof container and secure digital backup.
- Review your insurance policies and deductibles before the storm.
02 DURING THE STORM +
Put safety first
- Evacuate immediately when instructed by local authorities.
- If sheltering in place is appropriate, stay in a small interior room away from windows.
- Monitor official emergency alerts and forecasts.
- Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
- Do not go outside during the eye of a hurricane. Dangerous winds will return.
- Never operate generators, grills, or fuel-burning equipment indoors or near openings.
If your home becomes unsafe, seek emergency assistance. Follow local instructions rather than attempting to travel through hazardous conditions.
03 AFTER THE STORM +
Return carefully
- Wait for authorities to confirm that returning is safe.
- Avoid downed power lines, unstable structures, and floodwater.
- Do not enter buildings with suspected structural or electrical hazards.
- Follow local guidance on drinking water and sanitation.
Document the damage
- Photograph and video damage before cleanup, when safe.
- Contact your insurer promptly and ask about the claims process.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage when safe.
- Save receipts for emergency repairs and additional living expenses.
- Keep a written record of calls, claim numbers, contractors, and payments.
YOUR STORM
SURVIVAL KIT.
When the power goes out, a printed plan can make all the difference. Download these practical checklists and worksheets, fill them out, and keep copies somewhere accessible.
Hurricane Prep Checklist
A printable step-by-step checklist for before, during, and after the storm.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Family Emergency Plan
Record emergency contacts, evacuation destinations, meeting points, and household needs.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Emergency Supply Inventory
Keep track of food, water, medications, batteries, and essential supplies.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Home Inventory Worksheet
Organize information about valuable possessions, receipts, and documentation.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Post-Storm Recovery Log
Track property damage, insurance claims, contractor conversations, and expenses.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Keep printed copies in a waterproof container. Store digital backups securely. These worksheets supplement, but do not replace, official emergency guidance.
DON'T WAIT FOR THE
FORECAST TO CHECK
YOUR COVERAGE.
Insurance can get complicated when a hurricane brings wind, rain, and flooding all at once. Here's what to understand before a storm is on its way.
Wind Damage
Homeowners policies often cover wind damage, but coverage varies by policy and location. Some properties require separate windstorm coverage.
Flood Damage
Standard homeowners insurance generally excludes flooding. Separate flood insurance may be available through the NFIP or private insurers.
Hurricane Deductibles
Some policies apply special hurricane or named-storm deductibles, often calculated as a percentage of the insured value rather than a flat amount.
Temporary Housing
Additional living expense coverage may help pay qualifying costs when a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, subject to policy conditions.
Coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, and deductibles vary. Review your policy and speak with a licensed insurance professional. Insurance cannot always be purchased or changed when a storm is approaching.
GO STRAIGHT
TO THE SOURCE.
For real-time storm information, evacuation instructions, and official safety guidance, rely on trusted emergency authorities.