Your comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist

Check out our complete hurricane relief guide

A hurricane can change everything in an instant. Power outages, flooding, and road closures can make it difficult to get the help you need. If you’re new to the US or unfamiliar with these natural disasters, preparing ahead of time is essential—not just for safety, but for financial security as well.

When a storm is approaching, the last thing you want to worry about is accessing cash, communicating with loved ones, or buying emergency supplies.

This guide will help you get ready with a simple, actionable hurricane preparedness checklist so you can protect your family, your home, and your financial well-being.

You can stay one step ahead and create a financial and safety plan that meets your needs. Some key takeaways would include the following:

Key Takeaways

• Learn to build your emergency kit with food, water, first aid, important documents and supplies for kids and pets.
• Secure your finances by keeping cash on hand, using prepaid cards and knowing how to send or receive money without a bank.
• Plan for evacuation and communication by mapping routes, identifying shelters and setting up contact plans with family.
• Track your spending before and after the storm to stay financially stable and prioritize essentials.
• Download the printable checklist so you’re prepared even if power or internet goes out.

No matter where you’re from, you should feel equipped to handle a hurricane. Read more so you can feel confident you and your family have access to essential resources before, during, and after the storm.

Understanding hurricane preparedness: Why a checklist matters

When a hurricane is on the horizon, every second counts. Without a plan, it’s easy to forget important details—whether that’s securing your home, gathering supplies or ensuring your finances are in order.

Here’s why a hurricane checklist matters:

• You’ll stay organized. It helps you prioritize essential tasks, like securing your home, preparing emergency kits, and planning evacuation routes.
• You’ll be financially prepared: It ensures you have financial resources ready, even if you don’t have a bank account.
• You’ll reduce stress: Having a plan provides peace of mind, knowing you are prepared for whatever comes your way.
• You’ll recover faster: The right preparations can help you bounce back quickly after the storm passes.

Ultimately, having a checklist to prepare for hurricanes helps you stay focused and organized during a time of chaos. When you’re prepared, you can handle emergencies with greater confidence, knowing that both your home and finances are as secure as they can be.

Essential items for your hurricane preparedness kit

When a hurricane hits, access to food, water, and money can be limited. A well-stocked emergency kit ensures you have what you need to stay safe and comfortable during natural disasters.

Below, we’ve outlined crucial items you should include in your kit—including key financial essentials for those who may not have access to traditional banking.

For a printable version download our hurricane preparedness checklist PDF to keep a physical copy on hand or share with friends and family.

Non-perishable food and water supplies

Having enough food and water can make all the difference during and after a hurricane. Aim for a least three days’ worth of supplies per person.

Water: At least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and hygiene. Store extra for pets.

Non-perishable foods: Choose easy-to-prepare, affordable items like:

• Canned beans, fruits, vegetables, and meats.
• Rice, pasta, and instant noodles.
• Peanut butter, granola bars, and dry cereal.
• Shelf-stable milk or juice.

Tips: You can also stock foods that are easy to prepare without electricity. Make sure your stock stays in good condition, use durable plastic containers or buckets with tight-fitting lids. Keep these supplies in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.

Important identification and financial documents

During a hurricane, access to banks and ATMs may be limited. Keep your important documents and financial resources safe and easy to grab as quickly as possible.

Important documents (store in fireproof and waterproof containers):

• IDs (passport, driver’s license, green card, and other identification)
• Insurance policies (home, car, health)
• Birth certificates, Social Security cards, and immigration papers

It is also essential to have money readily available, especially if you’re storing money without a bank account. Think beyond just traditional bank accounts.

Here are some key items to keep on your checklist for hurricane preparedness:

Financial essentials:

• Cash in small bills.
• Prepaid cards loaded with money for easy spending.
• Digital copies of important documents on your mobile device. Use cloud storage or encrypted apps for secure access.

First aid and medical supplies

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential in case of injuries or medical needs during a hurricane.

Medications:

• At least a one-week supply of prescription medications. If you take regular medications, consider getting an extra refill before hurricane season starts.
• Extra inhalers, insulin, or other necessary treatments.

Basic first aid items:

• Bandages antiseptics, and gauze
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Emergency kits with a range of over-the-counter supplies for common ailments

For infants and children:

• Diapers, wipes, baby formula, and baby food
• Any other baby-specific necessities if you have small children

Tip: Remember to store these supplies in a waterproof container to keep them safe during the storm.

Pet preparedness: Supplies for your furry friends

Your pets are part of your family, so make sure you pack everything they will need to stay safe and comfortable during a hurricane:

• Enough pet food and water for at least three days. Don’t forget to include their bowls!
• Leashes and collars to easily manage your pet during the storm. Be sure to keep them handy.
• Vaccination records in case you need to board them or take them to a new location.
• Portable carriers to transport your pet to a safe area.

Preparing financially for a hurricane

A hurricane can disrupt access to banks, ATMs and financial services. Preparing financially for a hurricane ensures you can buy essentials to cover emergency costs and support those who depend on you—especially if you don’t have a traditional bank account.

Below, we’ll cover practical solutions and tips to help you access funds during an emergency and track expenses before and after the storm.

Accessing funds during emergencies

When a hurricane strikes, having immediate access to money is essential. It’s important to have multiple ways to access funds.

• Keep emergency cash on hand. Aim for small bills ($5s, $10s, $20s) to make spending easier.
• Use prepaid cards for added flexibility. Transfer money to a prepaid card in advance for easy access—no bank account required.
• Transfer money digitally. If you need to send or receive funds, use a money transfer app to load a prepaid card quickly or send support to those affected by the disaster.
• Know your nearest cash pickup locations. If you plan to receive support from friends or family, familiarize yourself with a Western Union agent location in your area before a storm.

These solutions allow you to buy essentials, access services and stay financially stable during a disaster.

Tracking expenses before and after the storm

Keeping tabs on your financial situation is key. And it’s even more important when it comes to hurricane season. By tracking your expenses before and after a disaster, you can manage better your finances in emergency situations.

Storm-related costs, such as supplies, fuel or emergency repairs, can quickly add up. Consider using budgeting apps or simply writing down your expenses in a notebook.

By keeping a close eye on your finances, you can avoid overspending and ensure you have enough for urgent needs. You can also track your expenses using digital wallets for more efficient management.

Building an evacuation plan for your household

When a hurricane threatens, you need to have a solid evacuation plan in place. This way you can act quickly and keep your family safe when the time comes.

Identifying evacuation zones and shelters

When leaving home during the hurricane is the safest option, you need to know your evacuation zones and nearby shelters. Make sure you have a map in your emergency kit. Become familiar with the evacuation routes in your area. When planning, make sure you have a backup plan in case your first choice is unavailable.

Before evacuating, be sure to grab your emergency kit, supplies, important documents, and cash. Double check your hurricane preparedness checklist so nothing gets left behind.

Planning your evacuation ahead of time will help you and your family stay safe and avoid panic during the storm.

Communication and emergency contacts

Natural disasters are incredibly stressful. They often bring worries about the safety of family and friends. To ease anxiety during these uncertain times, it’s important to establish a family communication plan in advance.

Start by listing emergency contacts and meeting points. You can also consider using free tools like WhatsApp for messaging or relying on offline communication methods in case of power outages.

Make sure everyone knows how to reach each other, even if regular phone lines are down. Having a mobile app for quick money transfers can help you stay in touch with people you care about and send financial support if necessary.

Additional resources: Download and print your hurricane preparedness checklist PDF

To make your preparations easier, we recommend you have a physical copy of your hurricane preparedness checklist. Even if power is lost or you can’t access online resources, you’ll have a guide to help you through securing your home, organizing your emergency supplies and ensuring your family’s safety.

Download and print your hurricane preparedness checklist PDF now and keep it in a safe, accessible location so you’re always ready when hurricane season hits.

 Stay safe and ready for hurricane season

By having a plan in place, you’ll be able to protect your family and handle the financial challenges that come with natural disasters.

Make sure you share your hurricane preparedness checklist with friends and family to help them stay safe, too. Together, we can ensure that everyone is ready when the storm arrives.