Hurricane season preparation checklist 2026: supplies and emergency steps

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, 2026. This hurricane season preparation checklist 2026: supplies and emergency steps will help you organize everything you need before a storm hits, from emergency kits to critical documents and evacuation plans. Use this checklist in Foco to assign tasks to family members, set priorities, and ensure nothing is overlooked.

In coastal areas like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas, hurricanes can cause power outages, flooding, and structural damage. FEMA and the National Hurricane Center recommend starting preparations at least 30 days in advance. This list covers essential supplies, legal documents, home protection, and safety protocols for you and your pets.

How to use this checklist in Foco

Create a project called 'Hurricane Prep' in Foco and assign each task with realistic due dates (e.g., 'Buy water' for the first week of May). Use the Kanban view to group tasks by category (Supplies, Documents, Home, Emergency) or the Calendar view to track deadlines. Mark time-sensitive tasks like insurance renewals or storm shutter installation as 'Urgent'.

• Review and update home insurance policy (check for flood and wind damage coverage)
• Purchase a basic emergency kit: water (1 gallon per person/day for 7 days), non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, hand-crank or battery-powered radio
• Include prescription medications (2-week supply), first-aid kit, and copies of prescriptions in the emergency kit
• Prepare a pet emergency kit: food, water, medications, leash, carrier, and vaccination records
• Store important documents in a waterproof bag: passports, birth certificates, deeds, insurance policies, IDs, and bank account numbers
• Make digital copies of documents and save them to a cloud service or encrypted USB drive
• Install storm shutters or purchase plywood to cover windows (measure and cut in advance)
• Trim trees and shrubs around the house to reduce the risk of falling branches
• Clean gutters and drains to prevent flooding from water buildup
• Buy a portable generator and fuel (store in a safe, ventilated area, never indoors)
• Identify the nearest evacuation route and plan a family meeting point
• Sign up for local emergency alert systems (e.g., AlertFlorida, ReadyHarris in Texas)
• Fully charge all electronic devices and purchase power banks or external batteries
• Fill your car’s gas tank and check oil, brakes, and tire levels
• Pack a backpack with clothes, sturdy shoes, personal hygiene items, and cash (small bills)
• Write down emergency numbers: local police, hospitals, insurance company, utility services, and out-of-state family contacts
• Teach everyone in the household how and when to turn off gas, water, and electricity
• Practice an evacuation drill with your family, including pets and individuals with special needs
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to ensure they have an emergency plan and offer assistance if needed
• Check expiration dates on food and medications in your kit every 6 months