Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: 4 Things to Do Before the Season

TL;DR: Hurricane prep done before the season — not during the warning — is what keeps your family safe and your home protected.

_Last reviewed: July 2026 · 2 min read_

The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season starts — not when the cone is pointed at you and the stores are empty. Four priorities cover the essentials: build a kit, document your home, secure the outside, and know your evacuation plan. For authoritative guidance, Ready.gov is the go-to.

What goes in a hurricane supply kit?

Build a supply kit with water, food, and batteries — a common baseline is one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3–7 days, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a battery/crank radio, first-aid supplies, medications, chargers/power banks, cash, and important documents in a waterproof bag. Build it before the season and refresh it yearly.

Why document my home's contents before a hurricane?

Photograph and document your home's contents ahead of time so that if you suffer damage, you can prove what you owned for an insurance claim. Walk every room with video or photos and note major items. A home inventory done in advance turns a stressful claim into a straightforward one — after a disaster is too late.

How do I secure my home before a storm?

Secure or store loose outdoor items — patio furniture, grills, planters, trash cans, decorations — anything that can become a projectile in high wind. Bring them inside or anchor them, protect windows with your storm shutters, trim weak branches ahead of season, and clear gutters so water drains.

Should I know my evacuation route in advance?

Absolutely — know your evacuation zone and route before a storm threatens. Look up your zone, identify multiple routes (highways jam), know where you'd go, and have a plan for pets. When officials call an evacuation, leave early. Deciding all this in advance — not during the chaos — is what keeps your family safe.

Keep your plan in one place

Logging your kit inventory, evacuation plan, and document locations means it's all ready when you need it. Okoniq Property Hub keeps it with your home maintenance records in one private place.

Frequently asked questions

When should I prepare for hurricane season?

Before it starts — June 1 in the Atlantic. Build your kit, document your home, and review your plan ahead of time, then act early on any specific storm threat.

What's the most overlooked hurricane prep step?

Documenting belongings for insurance, and securing outdoor projectiles. Both are easy to skip and both matter enormously after the storm.

Okoniq Property Hub helps homeowners and landlords keep maintenance, bills, and contractor info in one calm place. Get started free.

FAQ

How much water should I store per person for a hurricane?

One gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 to 7 days is the common baseline for hurricane preparedness.

What happens if I don't document my home before hurricane damage occurs?

You may struggle to prove what you owned when filing an insurance claim, turning a straightforward process into a stressful guessing game with lower payouts.

When should I bring in patio furniture and outdoor items before a hurricane?

Before the season starts if possible, and absolutely before any specific storm threatens your area — anything left outside can become a dangerous projectile in high winds.

Do I need to evacuate if I'm not in a mandatory evacuation zone?

Check your specific zone designation and listen to local officials — even if not mandatory, you should still know your route and leave early if conditions worsen or officials issue warnings for your area.