Prep

Hurricane kit checklist

What to have, how to plan to leave, and what to do when a hurricane is forecast. Scale it to your household, check things off and print the list. Nothing leaves this browser.

If local officials tell you to evacuate, go immediately. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood water: 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and a foot can sweep away a vehicle. Stay away from downed power lines.

Who's it for?

Adults
2
Children
0
Pets
0

Saved in this browser for the other tools.

Supplies for

Your hurricane checklist

Water is per person, per day. The CDC says at least 3 days, and 2 weeks if you can.

Check it again once a year.

Supplies

Ready.gov says you may not have access to supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.

Documents

Plan to leave

When a hurricane is forecast

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

This list joins Ready.gov's hurricane page and hurricane toolkit with the CDC's hurricane safety page. Water is Ready.gov's and the CDC's gallon per person per day. Choose 3 days or 2 weeks: the CDC says at least 3 days, and 2 weeks if you can.

Ready.gov says you may not have access to supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane, and to keep them in a go bag or car trunk. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, so May is a good time to check everything.

Example: a family of four needs 12 gallons of water for 3 days, and 56 gallons for 2 weeks. If you don't have room for 2 weeks, store what you can and fill clean containers when a storm is forecast.

If flooding traps you, go to the highest level of the building, but don't climb into a closed attic. In high winds, take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room.

Common questions

What do I need for a hurricane kit?

Water, food, medications, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a radio, backup charging, cash, documents and pet supplies. Keep them in a go bag or car trunk.

How much water do I need for a hurricane?

About a gallon per person per day. The CDC says at least 3 days, and 2 weeks if you can. You can also fill sinks and bathtubs for washing.

How do I keep documents safe in a hurricane?

Check that insurance policies and IDs are current, and keep digital copies in a password-protected space, as Ready.gov suggests. Keep paper copies in a waterproof container.

Why should I keep cash for a hurricane?

Ready.gov says ATMs and credit card machines may not work during an extended power outage.

When is hurricane season?

In the Atlantic it runs from June 1 to November 30. Check your supplies each May, before it starts.

Sources

Checked on 2 November 2026. This is an independent tool and not official advice. See sources and method.

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