Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
Hurricanes and tropical storms are increasing in size and impact. Learn more about what to do and how to stay safe.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
This action is designed to be used with the Get Prepared Steps, be sure to complete Steps 1-5!
1Step 1: Learn about hurricanes
When and where do hurricanes happen and what are some of the impacts?
When and where do hurricanes happen?
Tropical storms start over warm water where the ocean is at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because tropical storms need warm water to get going, they are most common in the summer and fall. They are called hurricanes when they develop in the central and eastern North Pacific and the North Atlantic oceans, typhoons when they develop in the Northwest Pacific and cyclones when they form over the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Below are the official hurricane seasons by region, however, with warming oceans the seasons are changing and it’s important to be prepared for severe storms almost any time of the year.
Atlantic Hurricane Season, East Coast, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico: June 1-November 30.
Central Pacific Hurricane Season, Hawaii: June 1-November 30.
Western Pacific Typhoon Season, Guam: June 1-December 30.
Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season, West Coast: May 15-November 30.
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On the West Coast, storms generally start south in central Mexico and rarely make it to the U.S., however, they still may bring heavy rainfall and flooding.
What are some impacts of a hurricane?
Storm surge: Major tropical storms like a hurricane can cause seawater levels to rise, mostly from high winds pushing water onshore. A storm surge can raise the level of seawater by many feet, resulting in flooding that can travel several miles inland, especially along waterways.
Flooding: Flooding is the second leading cause of fatalities from hurricanes. Heavy rains can move many miles inland and last several days after the storm. Review the Disaster Specific - Floods action if your area is at risk for flooding.
High winds: Hurricanes are defined by their wind speed. Tropical storms with wind speeds over 74 miles per hour are classed as hurricanes (or typhoons.) The category of hurricane indicates the wind speed, with category 1 at 74 to 95 miles per hour, up to Category 5, with wind speeds over 156 miles per hour. High winds can damage buildings and make it very dangerous to be outside with debris flying through the air.
Tropical storms: Tropical storms are the same as hurricanes with lower wind speeds. They’re not as severe, but still pose a risk and can result in smaller storm surges, flooding and wind damage. For a tropical storm, follow the same general guidelines as for hurricanes.
2Step 2: Add these items to your household plan
Add these items to your plan in Step 3. Make a plan and print out the one page information sheet to add to your kit.
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Know your evacuation zone: If you haven’t yet, look up your evacuation zone and evacuation route! Check with your local Office of Emergency Services or fire department for an evacuation zone map. You can also find local hurricane evacuation maps here.
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If you can’t leave your home: If you can't evacuate or get to a local shelter, the safest place to be is in a small, interior room on the lowest level of the building that is not flood-prone. Decide on this room in your plan and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
3Step 3: Add these items to your household preparation
Add these items to your household preparation in Step 4. Resilience for Homeowners/Renters.
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Consider installing storm shutters. Have plastic sheeting or plywood and sand bags on hand to use to protect windows and doors.
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Install hurricane clips to secure the roof and hurricane straps to secure the foundation. These add extra strength and support to hold your roof on and keep your house anchored to its foundation in strong winds.
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If your home is in an area prone to flooding, check the Disaster Specific-Floods action for more information on prep steps.
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If you have solar panels, make sure they’re secured to your roof to avoid them blowing off during a storm.
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Store fertilizers, other toxic materials, and propane tanks in a safe, secure area of your home. Secure propane tanks. They should not be stored near sources of heat (like the water heater or other appliances).
4Step 4: Learn what to do during a hurricane
If a hurricane is coming in your area, don’t panic! You’ve already taken many steps to be prepared. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
Find safe shelter:
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Pay attention to alerts on your phone, the radio or TV for updates and instructions.
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Evacuate: Safety first! If you’re told by authorities to evacuate, do so immediately and follow all local instructions, plus your emergency plan. If you feel threatened, don’t wait for official orders to evacuate, just go!
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Check in with your family or household members to coordinate and evacuate together or confirm your meeting location.
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Flooding waters: If you’re trapped in a building by flooding water, go to the highest level of the building. Avoid attics or closed spaces without air ventilation, though, as you could become trapped by rising water.
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If you are evacuating and reach flood waters, don’t walk, swim or drive through the water. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock a person over, and just one foot of moving water to sweep a vehicle away. There can also be hazardous debris floating in the water that can cause injuries. Instead, find another route to evacuate. “Turn around. Don’t drown!”
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Refer to the Food & Water Safety action for tips on how to safely manage and store food and water during and after a disaster.
Only if you have time before evacuating: For some tropical storms, it may be urgent that you evacuate immediately. For others, you may have advance warning. In situations where you have advance warning and only if you have time.
Preparing to leave:
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Gather your emergency kit. This will be helpful whether you’re staying with a friend or going to a shelter.
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Tip: Pre-pack your vehicle with your kit and other important belongings during hurricane season (late spring through late fall).
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Fill your car’s gas tank or charge the battery, and park your car facing the street or the direction of your evacuation route for a fast exit.
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Put pets in one room, in carriers or on secure leashes so you can get them quickly.
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Leave a note with your contact info, your out-of-town contact info and when you left taped to your fridge or inside window.
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Reach out to your out-of-town emergency contact to let them know how you’re doing and where you’re going. Stay in touch throughout your evacuation.
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Pay attention to alerts and updates on the evacuation plan and timing
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Check in on neighbors to make sure they’re safe and able to evacuate.
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Carpool with neighbors to reduce traffic congestion, if possible.
Preparing your home:
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Secure all doors and lock them. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, protect doors and windows with plastic sheeting or plywood and sandbags. Don’t forget the garage door — it’s usually the most vulnerable!
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Close and lock interior doors as well — this helps reduce the pressure on the roof during the storm.
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Bring lightweight moveable outdoor objects like patio furniture, garbage cans and bicycles inside, and anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (like gas grills and propane tanks).
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If you have sliding glass doors, wedge them with a brace or broom handle to prevent them from being lifted from their tracks or being ripped loose by wind vibrations.
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Turn your refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings and keep them closed, so they will stay cold as long as possible if the power goes out.
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If advised to do so by local authorities, shut off your utilities. Refer to the How to Turn Off Utilities action for how to do this. Turn off and move any propane appliances (like a BBQ) away from your home.
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Elevate anything electronic in case of flooding, such as televisions, stereos, vacuum cleaners, etc.
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Unplug appliances.
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Move vehicles to safe locations.
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Don’t use gas powered generators in the house! This is dangerous and can be fatal. Only use gas powered generators outside, away from windows.
5Step 5: Learn what to do right after a hurricane
If you evacuate, it may be just a few hours or many days before you can return home. When you do, remember it’s normal to feel anxiety or grief, so take care of yourself and your loved ones. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe, and you’ve done what you could to lower your risks and protect your home.
Basic Necessities:
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Shelter: If your home isn’t safe or habitable and you can’t stay with neighbors or friends, find a local shelter near you. You can:
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text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362), e.g. SHELTER 01234.
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Search on the FEMA app or Red Cross app for open shelters.
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In the FEMA app, click “Disaster Resources” → “Shelters” → “Map View”
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In the Red Cross app, click the Maps icon on the bottom right.
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Food & Water: If you don’t have access to food and water, or if you’re not certain your supplies are safe to consume, get additional supplies if you are able or find a local food bank by contacting a shelter or through feedingamerica.org
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First aid: If anyone is seriously or injured, call 911 or go to the hospital. If you are not sure, err on the side of caution and get medical help. If the injury is minor, administer first aid if you are trained and contact your healthcare provider for instructions.
Once you know everyone is safe:
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Contact family and friends, including your out-of-area emergency contact. For non-emergencies, use text or social media to reduce the strain on phone systems. Check in on your neighbors — this is a time we need to lean on each other.
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Wait for authorities to confirm it’s safe to return to your area. When you get home, enter carefully and be mindful of hazards.
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Don’t enter your home if there’s any chance of structural damage. Have a trained professional check your home and clear it for safe re-entry.
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Avoid damaged or fallen power lines and report them to your utility company immediately.
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Watch for broken trees, lungs or other debris that has fallen or might fall.
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- Avoid walking or driving in floodwaters. Moving water can sweep people away, and both moving and stationary water can carry debris, bacteria, gasoline and other contaminants.
- Do not touch anything electrical if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the main breaker if it’s safe to do so, and wait for an electrician or local authorities.
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When you start cleaning up, wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves. Use a face covering if you could be cleaning where mold is present.
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If anyone in your household has lung or autoimmune conditions, including asthma, have them stay out of buildings that have visible signs or smells of mold.
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If flood water entered your home, look out for pests, snakes and other animals that may have gotten inside.
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Read Step 5. Recovery After a Disaster for important information on safe cleanup, support resources and handling insurance after a hurricane. Be sure to take photos for insurance before you clean!