Hurricane Emergency Survival Kit & Preparedness Guide

Summary

A comprehensive hurricane emergency kit should include a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day, enough non-perishable food for three days, and several communication tools that don’t rely on electricity.
Keep important documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital copies to safeguard financial, medical, and identification records in the event of a hurricane.
Pre-pack specialized items for family members with unique needs, including infants, the elderly, those with disabilities, and pets to ensure everyone’s safety.
Spread hurricane supplies across your home, vehicle, and workplace to ensure access to essential resources no matter where you are when disaster strikes.
Check and restock your hurricane kit at least once per year before hurricane season begins to ensure all supplies are fresh and functional.

What You Need to Survive a Hurricane

When a hurricane warning appears on your screen, having the right emergency supplies already collected can mean the difference between being prepared or panicking. Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about surviving the storm itself—it’s about having the resources to support yourself and your loved ones during potentially prolonged periods without electricity, clean water, or access to stores. The American Red Cross and FEMA recommend being prepared for at least three days of complete self-sufficiency, though having a week’s worth of supplies provides better protection against the unpredictable aftermath of major hurricanes.

Putting together a detailed hurricane emergency kit is a process that requires careful planning, not a last-minute rush to the store. When a storm is on the way, store shelves empty quickly as everyone scrambles for the same essential supplies. By putting your kit together well in advance of hurricane season, you can avoid the stress of shortages and focus instead on other important preparations. Your kit should be tailored to your family’s specific needs while covering the universal basics that everyone needs during an emergency.

A good hurricane kit is a multi-purpose tool. It should keep you alive, comfortable, connected, and on the path to recovery. Your kit should cover the basics of survival: water, food, and shelter, but also take into consideration needs you will have a few days into the disaster, like hygiene, first aid, and communication. As hurricanes become more powerful and more common, it’s not just a good idea to be prepared, it’s a necessity, especially for those living in coastal communities.

Water and Food: The Basics

When it comes to hurricanes, water is the most important thing you can have on hand. It’s not uncommon for municipal water systems to be disrupted, leaving you without clean drinking water for days or even weeks. You should store at least one gallon per person per day, with half for drinking and half for sanitation. If you’re a family of four preparing for a three-day emergency, that means you’ll need at least 12 gallons of water. However, having a two-week supply (56 gallons) is a much safer bet. Commercial bottled water is the best choice because it lasts a long time and doesn’t need to be treated, but you can also use your own containers if they’re made of food-grade plastic or if you have specialized water storage tanks.

Tools to Stay Connected When the Power Goes Out

During a hurricane, power and cell service can be knocked out, leaving you in the dark about evacuation orders, rescue efforts, and weather updates. To stay connected, you’ll need a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. This will keep you informed about emergency broadcasts and official instructions. You should also have a portable AM/FM radio for local news and other ways to charge your cell phone, like solar chargers, power banks, and car adapters. Two-way radios (walkie-talkies) are a good way to keep in touch with your family if you get separated during evacuation or while you’re rebuilding after the storm. Keep in mind that even if cell service is still up, you won’t be able to charge your phone if the power is out. So, it’s important to have more than one way to charge your phone.

A solar powered device is laying on a blanket

Important Documents to Safeguard

Hurricanes don’t just pose a risk to physical safety—they can also wipe out the documents you need to put your life back together afterward. Create a waterproof document kit that contains copies of identification (driver’s licenses, birth certificates, passports), financial information (insurance policies, bank account details, credit card numbers), medical records (prescriptions, vaccination history, health insurance cards), property documentation (deeds, titles, rental agreements), and contact information for family members and emergency services. Waterproof document sleeves or containers provide physical protection, while digital backups stored on encrypted flash drives offer a second layer of security. For complete peace of mind, consider keeping copies in your evacuation bag and uploading encrypted versions to secure cloud storage that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

What Documents to Keep Handy During a Hurricane
✓ Identification for everyone in the household
✓ Policies for home, flood, auto, and life insurance
✓ Medical and prescription records
✓ Property deeds and financial account information
✓ Emergency contacts and family communication strategy
✓ Photos of valuable belongings for insurance purposes

Start Building Your Hurricane Survival Kit: The Basics You Must Have

Creating a useful hurricane survival kit means understanding the basic essentials that every kit needs to have, no matter what your specific situation may be. These basic supplies are meant to address immediate survival needs during the peak of the emergency and the crucial days that follow. FEMA and emergency management experts suggest keeping these supplies in containers that are easy to carry, such as plastic bins with lids or sturdy backpacks, which can be quickly grabbed during evacuations. The aim is to make a self-sufficient collection of resources that can sustain life when normal systems are down.

1. Water: One Gallon Per Person Per Day

Securing a water supply is your first priority in a hurricane emergency, as drinkable water often becomes scarce during major storms. While a gallon per person per day is the general rule, keep in mind that some people may need more. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with certain medical conditions often require more water. The same goes for those in hot climates or on medications that increase thirst. When you store water, don’t keep it all in one big tank. Instead, spread it out across multiple containers. This makes it easier to grab and go during an evacuation, and it also protects you from losing your entire supply if one container gets contaminated or damaged.

2. Three Days’ Worth of Non-Perishable Food

When it comes to food for your hurricane survival kit, you’ll want items that don’t require refrigeration, cooking, or much water. Opt for foods that are high in energy and nutrients, as these will help you stay strong in the face of physical and emotional stress. Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables are all good options, as are granola bars, peanut butter, dried fruits, and nuts. And don’t forget about comfort foods! Having a few treats on hand, like chocolate, hard candies, or your favorite snack, can help lift your spirits when things get tough.

a person holding a lollipop in their hand

As you gather food for your emergency kit, keep in mind the dietary needs and likes of your family. If someone has diabetes, they will need suitable low-sugar options. If someone has high blood pressure, they will need suitable low-sodium options. Also, remember to pack special foods for babies, older adults, or anyone with difficulty swallowing. Include a manual can opener because electric can openers won’t work if the power goes out. And remember to use and replace the food in your kit every six months so it stays fresh when you need it.

3. Medical Supplies and Medications

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is the cornerstone of your medical preparedness plan. At the very least, it should contain various sizes of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment. You should also include instant cold compresses, elastic bandages for sprains, and a digital thermometer to handle common injuries and illnesses. Your over-the-counter medications should be able to manage pain, reduce fever, treat allergic reactions, handle digestive issues, and address cold symptoms. If any family members require prescription medications, keep at least a seven-day supply in your emergency kit and rotate them regularly to avoid them expiring.

If you have the necessary training, you might want to add more advanced items to your kit, such as CPR face shields, tourniquets, hemostatic gauze for severe bleeding, and emergency blankets. Make sure to include copies of prescription information, including dosages and the contact details of the prescribing physician, which can make it easier to get emergency refills when pharmacies reopen. Keep in mind that power outages can affect how you store your medication—insulin and certain other medications that need to be refrigerated will need alternative cooling methods like insulated containers with ice packs if the electricity is out for a long time.

4. Flashlights, Batteries, and Alternative Light Sources

Power outages are a common occurrence during hurricanes, so it’s important to have reliable sources of light to keep you safe and functional. Your kit should include several flashlights of different sizes – headlamps can keep your hands free for other tasks, powerful handheld flashlights can light up larger areas, and small lights can be carried in your pocket. LED flashlights are the best choice because they’re bright, efficient, and durable. You should also have extra batteries in all the sizes you need for your devices. Keep the batteries stored separately to prevent them from corroding or turning on accidentally. Other sources of light you might consider are chemical light sticks, which can provide light for several hours without needing maintenance, and solar-powered lanterns, which can be recharged every day to provide sustainable light during a long power outage.

5. Communication Tools: NOAA Weather Radio and Backup Phone Chargers

Having access to information during a hurricane can be the difference between life and death. A NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup or hand-crank capability gives you important alerts and updates directly from the National Weather Service. Look for models with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology that can be programmed to receive alerts only for your location. For your mobile devices, include multiple charging options: external battery packs with at least 10,000mAh capacity, solar chargers that work even during cloudy conditions, and hand-crank generators for emergency power. Portable backup power stations with higher capacity can run multiple devices and small appliances when equipped with inverters, providing a more comprehensive power solution during extended outages.

More Than the Basics: Extra Hurricane Kit Must-Haves

The fundamental survival elements are the backbone of your hurricane kit, but extra items can greatly improve comfort, usefulness, and toughness during longer emergency scenarios. These extra supplies take into account the practical aspects of living without utilities, potentially in damaged environments, for days or weeks. From keeping clean to defending against environmental dangers, these items turn basic survival into more manageable emergency living. They demonstrate the difference between just getting through the aftermath of a hurricane and keeping some sense of normality during the recovery phase.

Essential Tools and Safety Gear

Start your emergency tool kit with a multi-tool that includes pliers, a knife, screwdriver, and can opener. This one tool will meet many needs and save space. Add work gloves to protect your hands during cleanup. Duct tape can be used for temporary repairs, and rope can be used to secure items or help with rescue. A small fire extinguisher that can be used on different types of fires will protect you from the increased fire risk that comes with damaged electrical systems and alternative ways of heating or cooking. Also include basic tools like adjustable wrenches to turn off utilities, a hammer, and screwdrivers for emergency repairs to your home.

Include N95 respirator masks in your safety gear to protect against mold, dust, and other airborne contaminants that are common after a hurricane. Plastic sheeting and duct tape can be used for temporary repairs to broken windows or damaged roofs, and they can also be used to create an emergency shelter-in-place location if necessary. Store waterproof matches, lighters, and fire-starting materials in waterproof containers because you may need to start a fire for warmth, cooking, or water purification. Add emergency blankets (Mylar/space blankets) to your kit. These blankets reflect body heat and protect against wind and rain, and they don’t take up much space in your kit.

Signal devices can help you get rescued in emergencies. Whistles can be heard from much further away than shouting and are easier to use when you’re tired. Signal mirrors can attract attention from rescuers miles away during the day, while chemical light sticks can be seen at night. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, personal flotation devices and a small inflatable raft could save your life during a hurricane storm surge or if a dam breaks after heavy rain.

What to Wear and Where to Sleep

Each family member should have a full set of clothes that are appropriate for your local weather and sturdy enough to withstand a hurricane. This includes strong shoes or boots for walking through debris, rain gear for the likely rain after the hurricane, and any other seasonal items like jackets or sun hats. For sleeping, the most versatile option is a compact sleeping bag that’s suitable for your local weather. Emergency blankets can provide extra warmth and don’t take up much space. Inflatable pillows and sleeping pads are comfortable and easy to carry, which is important if you need to evacuate.

Money and Financial Readiness

In the event of a major power outage, electronic payment systems will be down—credit cards, ATMs, digital transfers will all be unavailable. Keep enough cash on hand in small denominations to cover basic needs for at least a week, including the cost of evacuation if necessary. Be sure to have quarters for pay phones (which often still work when cell networks are down) and vending machines. Keep this cash in waterproof containers and spread it out in several locations to avoid losing everything if one stash becomes inaccessible. You might also consider including a small emergency fund in each family member’s evacuation bag.

What to Keep in Mind When Building Your Hurricane Kit

For your hurricane emergency kit to be truly effective, you need to tailor it to the specific needs of your household members. While standard kits provide general coverage, each family has unique requirements based on age, health conditions, abilities, and preferences. These special considerations often make the difference between just getting by and staying healthy and dignified during tough times. Taking the time to thoughtfully evaluate and accommodate these individual needs shows both practical preparedness and thoughtful planning.

It’s important to keep in mind that emergency situations can make existing challenges even more difficult. Medical conditions can become harder to manage, dietary needs can be more difficult to meet, and items that provide comfort can become even more important for mental health. What might seem like a small inconvenience during normal times can become a major problem during a crisis when resources are limited and normal support systems are unavailable. Your hurricane kit should anticipate and address these vulnerabilities before they become emergencies within the larger emergency.

Needs for Families

Families that have babies and small children need special supplies such as formula, baby food, diapers, wipes, and comfort items like pacifiers or security blankets. Figure out how many diapers and how much formula you use each day, then multiply that by at least seven days to find out the smallest amount you need.

a pile of cloth sitting on top of a lush green field

Mothers who are breastfeeding should have supplies that help them keep nursing even when things are stressful, including extra fluids and nutritious snacks. For children of all ages, have small games, books, or activities that don’t need electricity to help keep them busy and help them feel less scared during scary times or boring times when you’re waiting.

Emergency Kit for Pets

When assembling your hurricane emergency kit, remember to include supplies for your pets. Just like humans, pets need food, water, medications, and comfort items ready to go in case of a disaster. It’s also crucial to have a way to identify your pets in case they get lost during an evacuation or in the confusion after a hurricane. Make sure your pets are wearing collars with ID tags, and consider getting them microchipped for permanent identification.

A week’s worth of pet food stored in waterproof containers
One gallon of water per day for dogs and less for cats
Medications and medical records in waterproof containers
Strong leashes, harnesses, and carriers for safe transport
Recent photos of pets in case they get lost
Pet beds, familiar toys, and comfort items to reduce stress

For evacuation scenarios, research pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation routes in advance, as many emergency shelters don’t accept pets. Create a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might provide shelter during emergencies, including 24-hour contact information. If you must leave pets behind as an absolute last resort, provide access to multiple days’ worth of food and water in automatic feeders or dispensers, and place visible notices for rescue workers indicating pets are inside.

Don’t forget that pets can become very stressed during disasters. They often sense danger before we do and may act strangely as a result. To help manage this anxiety, include items like ThunderShirts for dogs, bedding that smells familiar and comforting, or pheromone diffusers for cats. It’s also important to have the right carriers and restraints, so you can safely transport scared animals. Without these, they might panic and run away during evacuation or rescue.

Preparations for the Elderly and Those with Medical Needs

Seniors and those with medical needs are more vulnerable during hurricanes and require careful planning. Keep at least a two-week supply of all prescription medications, and a detailed list of each medication’s name, dosage, frequency, purpose, and the prescribing doctor’s contact information. For medications that need to be refrigerated, have insulated containers and ice packs ready, or talk to healthcare providers about alternative formulations that might stay stable without refrigeration. Include extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, mobility device accessories, and any other assistive technology needed for daily living.

If you rely on electrically powered medical devices like oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, or mobility scooters, it’s crucial to have a thorough plan for backup power. This could involve portable generators with enough fuel (stored safely), battery backups that are adequately sized for your equipment’s power needs, or emergency replacement arrangements with your medical suppliers. If your medical needs require electricity, register with your local emergency management office. Many communities keep lists of households with essential medical equipment so they can prioritize power restoration.

Three Days Before Possible Landfall

As soon as the weather forecast predicts a hurricane might be headed your way, you should start implementing your emergency plan three days before it’s expected to hit. Start by going over evacuation routes and making sure your emergency contacts know your plan. Make sure all your electronic devices are fully charged and fill up your car’s gas tank—gas stations will get busier as the storm gets closer. Look over your hurricane kit to make sure nothing’s missing or expired, and get any last-minute supplies before stores get crowded and start running out of stock.

The Day Before the Storm

When you have only 24 hours until the storm hits, it’s time to secure your property. Bring in anything from outside that could be blown around and cause damage, including furniture, toys, and decorations. Close your storm shutters if you have them, or board up your windows and glass doors with plywood that you’ve already cut to size. Fill your bathtubs and any large containers you have with water in case the water supply is cut off. If there’s a chance your home could flood, move your most important items to a higher floor. Make sure your emergency kits are somewhere you can get to them easily. Keep an eye on the news for updates from local authorities. If they tell you to evacuate, be ready to leave straight away.

What to do when the hurricane hits

If you’re staying home during the storm, go to the safest part of your house. This is usually a room in the center of the house, on the ground floor, with no windows or exterior doors. Keep your emergency radio on so you can hear updates and instructions from the authorities. Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire, especially if you smell gas. Stay away from electrical equipment if your house floods.

Keep in mind that the “eye” of the hurricane can create a deceptive period of calm with blue skies, but this will end abruptly when the second half of the storm arrives with winds blowing from the opposite direction. Stay inside until officials give the all-clear, even if it seems like the storm is over. Many of the most severe injuries occur when people go outside too soon.

When the Hurricane is Over

After you get the all-clear from local authorities, cautiously check your home and property for any damage. Be on the lookout for fallen power lines, gas leaks, and any structural damage to your home. Take pictures of all damage for insurance purposes before you start cleaning up. Rely on your emergency supplies as necessary, but remember to save resources—getting back to normal could take days or even weeks. If it’s safe, check on neighbors who might need help, and let emergency services know about any immediate dangers.

Be wary of standing water, as it may be hiding hazardous debris, could be contaminated with sewage, or may be hiding electrical dangers. Follow the official advice on water safety before drinking tap water, even if it appears to be flowing normally. Stay tuned to emergency broadcasts for information on assistance programs, supply distribution points, and when utilities are expected to be restored.

After a hurricane, it’s important to take the following safety measures:

What to Do After a Hurricane
✓ Before using any flame or electrical devices, make sure there are no gas leaks.
✓ Stay away from standing water and downed power lines.
✓ Wear protective clothing (gloves, boots, masks) during cleanup.
✓ Throw away any food that has been exposed to flood waters or perishables that have not been refrigerated.
✓ Report any damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
✓ Be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when using generators.

It takes time and patience to recover from a hurricane. The items in your emergency kit will help you get through this difficult time by providing you with the basic necessities you need. This will allow you to concentrate on rebuilding rather than struggling to meet your basic needs. As utilities and services are slowly restored, continue to follow official guidance. Only use normal water sources, power systems, and gas appliances when authorities confirm they are safe.

A Hurricane Survival Kit Could Mean the Difference Between Life and Death

Putting together a hurricane survival kit isn’t just about gathering supplies, it’s about showing your commitment to protecting yourself and your family during the most devastating storms. The time you spend gathering these supplies before disaster strikes can be invaluable when you’re able to meet your basic needs during a crisis. As hurricane seasons become more active and intense because of changes in climate patterns, it’s not just smart to be prepared, it’s necessary. Get in touch with Ready America today to learn about our comprehensive emergency preparedness solutions designed specifically for hurricane-prone areas.

Common Questions

Having helped thousands of families prepare for hurricanes, we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about emergency kits and survival supplies. These insights will help you fine-tune your preparations and address specific issues that many people forget until it’s too late. Remember that preparedness is a continuous process—updating your knowledge regularly is just as crucial as updating your supplies.

For any concerns not addressed here, your local emergency management agency can provide you with specific information about the hurricane risks and resources in your community. They can give you advice about local evacuation zones, shelter locations, and any unique issues in your community that may affect your disaster preparedness planning.

How much water do I need to store for hurricane season?

You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. For evacuation scenarios, you should have a minimum of a three-day supply. If you’re sheltering at home, you should have a two-week supply. This means a family of four should have at least 12 gallons for a basic three-day kit and 56 gallons for a full two-week home supply. Keep in mind that individual needs can vary. Children, nursing mothers, people with medical conditions, and those in hot environments usually need more water. Don’t forget to include extra water for pets. You should calculate about one quart per day for each small dog or cat and more for larger animals.

What kind of non-perishable food should you include in your hurricane kit?

When putting together a hurricane kit, you want food that is nutritious, can be stored for a long time, and requires little to no preparation. Some of the best options are peanut butter, canned tuna and chicken, canned fruits and vegetables (preferably in water rather than syrup), granola bars, trail mix, cereal, and shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives. Ready-to-eat meals like MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are also a good choice because they are nutritionally complete and have a long shelf life. And don’t forget comfort foods like chocolate, hard candies, and instant coffee, which can provide a psychological boost during stressful times. It’s also a good idea to focus on foods that your family already likes to eat, as this can help reduce stress at mealtime and provide comfort during difficult times.

When should I review and update my hurricane emergency kit?

It’s a good idea to thoroughly review and update your hurricane kit at least two times a year. Once before hurricane season starts and once in the middle of the season. During these reviews, you should check expiration dates on food, water, medications, and batteries. Test all of your electronic devices. Replace any items that are worn or damaged. And update any personal documents to reflect changes in medical needs, contact information, or insurance coverage. Many emergency management professionals suggest scheduling these reviews when daylight saving time changes in the spring and fall because it’s easy to remember.

After doing a full review, make sure to replace any items you use right away instead of waiting until the next time you’re supposed to check. This way, your kit will always be complete and ready to go because hurricanes and other emergencies can come up suddenly. You might want to think about setting up a rotation system for food and water. This way, you’re always using and replacing these items before they go bad. This keeps your supplies fresh and cuts down on waste.

If you’re storing your kit in a place that gets really hot or cold, be aware that some items might not last as long. Batteries, medicine, and some foods don’t do well with big temperature changes, and might need to be replaced more often than the expiration date suggests. If you’re not sure whether something is still good, it’s better to just replace it. It might cost a little more, but it’s not worth the risk of not having what you need in an emergency.

Should I stay or should I go when a hurricane is coming?

When you’re told to evacuate, don’t think twice—just go. These orders are given because it’s too dangerous to stay put. The people who make these decisions use complex models to predict storm surges, flooding, wind damage, and how well buildings in your area can withstand the storm. If you’re told to leave, no amount of emergency supplies will be enough if you stay.

When evacuation orders haven’t been issued for your area, you should decide to stay at home if your home is built to withstand hurricanes, is not in a flood zone, and is not susceptible to wind damage. Homes that are built to modern hurricane codes, have proper shutters or impact-resistant windows, and are not in flood zones or storm surge areas, are usually safe enough to stay in during Category 1-2 hurricanes. However, mobile homes, older homes, or homes in flood-prone areas may not be safe to stay in even during weaker storms.

What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?

A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions, which include sustained winds of 74 mph or higher, could possibly occur within a specified area. This is typically issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to start. When a watch is issued, you should finish your storm preparations and be ready to evacuate if local officials say to do so. This advanced notice allows you time to secure your property and finish your preparations without the immediate pressure of dangerous conditions.

A hurricane warning is a sign that a hurricane is likely to occur in a certain area. It is typically given 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin. When a warning is issued, finish all storm preparations right away and evacuate the area if local authorities instruct you to do so. The shorter timeframe indicates a higher level of certainty in the forecast and a more immediate threat, which necessitates more urgent action than a watch.

Knowing the difference between these two alerts can help you respond correctly to each one. A watch is the time to go over your plans and make sure you’re ready, while a warning means you need to take immediate protective action. Both of these alerts are based on carefully calculated forecasts using complex weather data, and are designed to give people the information they need to make life-saving decisions as hurricanes approach.

What’s the best way to safeguard crucial papers during a hurricane?

Make a watertight document kit by placing sealed plastic bags inside a mobile waterproof box. The kit should contain copies of identification documents (driver’s licenses, birth certificates, passports), financial records (insurance policies, bank account details, credit card numbers), medical information (prescriptions, vaccination records, health insurance cards), and property documentation (deeds, titles, rental agreements). Many survival experts suggest arranging these documents by category in separate waterproof pouches, which makes a filing system that allows for quick access to specific information when it’s needed.

Boost your safety by scanning all your important papers and saving them on encrypted USB drives that you keep in your emergency kit. Also think about uploading these files to a secure cloud storage. This way, you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection if your hard copies get damaged or you can’t get to them. Don’t forget to include recent photos of your family members (which could come in handy if you get separated), pictures of your valuable belongings for insurance claims, and contact info for your family, emergency services, insurance companies, and banks.

Preparing for a hurricane is crucial, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for the worst-case scenario.