Hurricane season emergency kit checklist US 2026: what to pack and how to prepare

The 2026 hurricane season in the U.S. officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity between August and October. A well-prepared hurricane season emergency kit checklist US 2026 supplies can be crucial during evacuations or extended power outages. This checklist is designed for residents in coastal and high-risk areas, following FEMA and American Red Cross guidelines. It includes basic supplies, essential documents, and steps to secure your home before a storm hits.

Save this list in Foco to assign priorities, review dates, and set reminders. Use Panorama mode to see all pending tasks (like buying supplies or securing windows) alongside your personal or work projects. In Foco mode, filter only the tasks for this kit to focus without distractions. The Kanban view will help you organize tasks by stages: Preparation, Supply Shopping, and Immediate Actions.

What this kit includes and why it matters

This checklist covers three critical areas: 7-day supplies (water, non-perishable food, medications), home protection (structural reinforcement, power generation), and legal preparedness (documents, emergency contacts). Each task is designed to be actionable and measurable, such as 'Buy 1 gallon of water per person per day' instead of 'Have enough water.' Review the list every May, before the season starts, and update it based on your family’s needs (pets, infants, elderly).

• Calculate and purchase drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days (include pets)
• Buy 7 days' worth of non-perishable food: canned goods, energy bars, nuts, and baby or pet food if needed
• Purchase a manual can opener and disposable utensils (plates, cups, cutlery)
• Prepare a first-aid kit with prescription medications (7-day supply), pain relievers, bandages, and antiseptics
• Include hygiene items: soap, wet wipes, toilet paper, sanitary pads, and trash bags
• Add flashlights or battery-powered lanterns (avoid candles) and extra batteries for each device
• Buy a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio for emergency alerts
• Pack warm clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for each family member
• Store cash (small bills) and waterproof copies of important documents (passports, deeds, insurance policies)
• Prepare a pet kit: food, water, leash, medications, and vaccination records
• Reinforce windows and doors with plywood panels or hurricane shutters
• Trim trees and shrubs near your home to reduce the risk of falling branches
• Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding from water buildup
• Secure or store outdoor items (patio furniture, potted plants) to prevent them from becoming projectiles
• Fill your car’s gas tank and check oil levels and tire pressure
• Fully charge phones and portable power banks
• Identify the nearest evacuation route and designated shelter in your area (check FEMA’s local map)
• Establish a family meeting point outside the risk zone in case of separation
• Store spare car and house keys in your emergency kit
• Review and update your emergency contact list (family, neighbors, local services)