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Hurricane & Disaster Prep Checklist

Protect your home, documents, and family before the storm hits

6 prep categories50 action itemsPrintable PDF100% free

Why You Need a Disaster Prep Checklist

When a hurricane or natural disaster is approaching, the last thing you want is to scramble for supplies or search for important documents. FEMA reports that 60% of Americans have not practiced what to do in a disaster, and many wait until the last minute to prepare, when stores are already sold out.

This checklist covers everything you need to prepare — from building an emergency supply kit and protecting your documents to securing your property and planning your evacuation route. Having a plan before disaster strikes is the single most important thing you can do to protect your family and home.

What's Included

Emergency Supply Kit12 items
Important Documents9 items
Property Protection8 items
Evacuation Planning7 items
Communication Plan6 items
Post-Storm Recovery8 items

Plus: priority levels for each item, quantity recommendations for different household sizes, and a post-storm insurance claim checklist.

Critical Preparation Tips

1

Start preparing at least 72 hours before a storm is projected to arrive. Stores sell out of water, batteries, and plywood fast.

2

Photograph every room of your home and all valuables before the storm. This documentation is critical for insurance claims.

3

Store important documents in a waterproof container. Include insurance policies, IDs, medical records, and property deeds.

4

Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets if you lose water pressure. Fill clean containers with drinking water.

5

Download offline maps and save emergency contacts as printed copies. Cell towers may go down during the storm.

6

Know your flood zone. Visit FEMA's flood map service to check your risk level and understand your insurance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start preparing for hurricane season?
Begin preparations at the start of hurricane season (June 1 for the Atlantic). Stock your emergency kit, review your insurance coverage, and create your family communication plan before any storm is in the forecast. When a specific storm threatens your area, you should have at least 72 hours of supplies ready and a clear evacuation plan.
What documents should I protect before a hurricane?
Prioritize insurance policies (homeowner, flood, auto, and health), property deeds and mortgage documents, identification documents (passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards), medical records and prescriptions, financial account information, and your home inventory with photos. Store physical copies in a waterproof container and keep digital copies backed up in a secure cloud service like DwellFile.
Does renters insurance cover hurricane damage?
Standard renters insurance typically covers wind damage to your belongings but does not cover flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Review your policy carefully and consider adding flood coverage if you are in a flood-prone area.
How much water should I store for an emergency?
FEMA recommends one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. For a family of four, that is 12 gallons minimum. In hurricane-prone areas, consider storing a full week of water (28 gallons for four people). Do not forget water for pets as well.
What should I do with my home inventory after a disaster?
Your pre-storm home inventory with photos is essential for filing insurance claims. After the storm, document all damage thoroughly with photos and video before making any repairs. Contact your insurance company immediately and provide your pre-storm documentation alongside the damage photos. Having timestamped records from before and after significantly speeds up the claims process.

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Want More Than a Checklist?

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