Hurricane kit checklist (US): Ready.gov's preparedness advice, explained

Updated on October 27, 2026How these pages are written (in French)

This page is for households in hurricane and typhoon areas of the United States. It summarizes the hurricane, supply kit, evacuation and power outage guidance published by Ready.gov, the preparedness website of FEMA. The guidance is free at ready.gov/hurricanes.

Ready.gov gives three seasons:

• Atlantic: June 1 to November 30.
• Eastern Pacific: May 15 to November 30.
• Central Pacific: June 1 to November 30. In parts of the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons.

Hurricanes cause damage through storm surge, wind, rip currents and flooding. Ready.gov states: "Historically, storm surge is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States." Ready.gov also asks you to find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland: living away from the coast does not remove the risk.

Ready.gov's basic disaster supplies kit, by category:

• Water: one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, and a manual can opener.
• Radio and light: a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, a flashlight and extra batteries.
• Phone: a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
• First aid and safety: a first aid kit, a whistle, a dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, scissors, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties.
• Tools and maps: a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and local maps.

For a hurricane, Ready.gov's hurricane page adds medication, disinfectant and pet supplies, plus backup charging devices for your phones.

Depending on your household, the kit page also lists: soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes; prescription and non-prescription medication, glasses and contact lens solution; infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream; pet food and extra water for pets; cash; copies of important family documents, saved electronically or in a waterproof container; a sleeping bag or warm blanket per person; clothing for your climate and sturdy shoes; a fire extinguisher; matches in a waterproof container; feminine supplies and personal hygiene items; paper and pencil; and activities for children.

Ready.gov suggests storing the items in airtight plastic bags, in one or two easy-to-carry containers. The full list is on our basic emergency kit page.

Ready.gov's kit page asks for one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. It does not fix the number of days. Over three days, that gives at least:

• One person: 3 gallons (about 11.4 L).
• Two people: 6 gallons (about 22.7 L).
• A family of four: 12 gallons (about 45.4 L).

Pets need extra water on top. We use three days only as a minimum example: Ready.gov sets no number of days, and its hurricane page warns that you may not have access to supplies for days or even weeks.

Ready.gov's hurricane page suggests:

• Outside: clear drains and gutters, bring in or secure outdoor furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
• Papers: keep insurance policies and identification up to date, with digital copies stored securely.
• Phones: keep them charged and get backup charging devices.
• Plan: make an emergency plan that includes any help needed by people with disabilities. Businesses should have a continuity plan.

The kit page adds two upkeep habits: replace expired items, and reassess your needs every year as your family changes. Keep canned food in a cool, dry place, and boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.

Ready.gov's evacuation page recommends:

• Know your zone and routes: learn your state and local evacuation zones and routes from your state and county emergency management websites, and know alternate routes.
• Pick destinations: a friend's or relative's home, or a shelter. Plan several destinations in different directions.
• Check shelters and pets: find out which shelters are open this year and whether they accept pets. According to Ready.gov, most public shelters allow only service animals.
• Fuel: keep a half tank of gas in your car at all times, and fill it if an evacuation seems likely.
• No car: arrange a way to leave with family, friends or local emergency management.
• Communication plan: agree on a meeting place and an out-of-state contact.
• Go-bag: pack it and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.

When you leave, Ready.gov says to take your emergency kit and pets, leave early enough to avoid severe weather, unplug small appliances and leave a note saying when you left and where you are going. Follow recommended routes, avoid shortcuts and never drive into flooded areas.

Ready.gov's hurricane page says:

• Evacuation order: "If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately."
• High winds: "Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds."
• Trapped by flooding: go to the highest level of the building. "Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water."
• Floodwater: "Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don't Drown!" Ready.gov adds: "Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away."
• Information: keep monitoring emergency information and alerts.

Ready.gov's power outage page states: "Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages." It also warns: "Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets."

The same page asks you to:

• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
• Keep the generator dry and let it cool before refueling.
• Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

For food, Ready.gov says to keep freezers and refrigerators closed. A refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer keeps its temperature for about 48 hours. Throw out food at 40°F or higher: "When in doubt, throw it out!"

Ready.gov's hurricane and evacuation pages advise:

• Returning home: check with local officials before returning, and do not return before storm debris is cleared.
• Floodwater: "Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses." Ready.gov adds that it can also contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife, and that "Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge the water."
• Electricity: do not touch wet electrical equipment, and do not touch anything electrical while standing in water. If it is safe, turn off the electricity at the main breaker. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your utility company.
• Cleanup: wear protective clothing and a mask when cleaning mold or debris, and work with someone else. People with asthma, lung conditions or a weakened immune system should avoid buildings with visible or noticeable mold or indoor water leaks. Children should not do cleanup work.
• Phones: limit calls to emergencies. "Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends."
• Insurance: photograph property damage and contact your insurance company.

• Ready.gov (FEMA), Hurricanes: seasons, before, during and after a hurricane, last updated 10/16/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Build a Kit: basic disaster supplies kit, additional supplies, maintenance, last updated 07/01/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Evacuation: zones, routes, shelters, pets, returning home, last updated 03/20/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Power Outages: generators, carbon monoxide, food safety, last updated 06/04/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Earthquakes: "If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.", last updated 09/09/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)

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