How to Prepare for Hurricanes and High-Wind Storms

When hurricane season approaches, the difference between safety and catastrophe often comes down to preparation. Hurricanes and high-wind storms can devastate communities within hours, causing billions in damage and threatening lives. Whether you live in a coastal region regularly threatened by hurricanes or an inland area susceptible to severe windstorms, having a comprehensive plan is essential for protecting your family, home, and property.

At Batten Emergency, we’ve helped thousands of families develop effective storm preparation strategies. This guide covers everything from creating an emergency plan to securing your home and assembling crucial supplies. By following these expert-recommended steps, you’ll be better positioned to weather whatever storms come your way.

Understanding Hurricane and High-Wind Storm Risks

Before diving into preparation strategies, it’s important to understand what you’re preparing for. Hurricanes and high-wind storms present multiple hazards that require different preparation approaches. According to NOAA data, hurricane damage in the U.S. has averaged $21.5 billion per event in recent years, with much of this damage coming from a combination of wind, flooding, and storm surge.

The primary threats from hurricanes and severe windstorms include:

Destructive winds: Hurricane winds can exceed 157 mph in Category 5 storms, while severe thunderstorms and derechos can produce straight-line winds over 100 mph
Storm surge: The abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds, often the deadliest aspect of hurricanes
Flooding: Heavy rainfall that can cause flash floods and sustained flooding, even hundreds of miles inland from the coast
Tornadoes: Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes, adding another layer of danger
Flying debris: Objects become dangerous projectiles in high winds

In our experience working with coastal communities, we’ve found that many homeowners focus exclusively on wind protection while underestimating flood risks. Our team always recommends developing a comprehensive plan that addresses all potential hurricane hazards, not just the most obvious ones.

Creating Your Hurricane Emergency Plan

A thorough emergency plan is the foundation of hurricane preparedness. This plan should be developed well before storm season and reviewed regularly with everyone in your household. According to FEMA, families with documented emergency plans are significantly more likely to survive disasters without injuries and recover more quickly afterward.

Family Communication Plan:

Communication networks often fail during severe storms, making it essential to establish how family members will contact each other and where they’ll meet if separated. Based on our field testing of various communication methods during power outages, we recommend a multi-layered approach:

Designate both a local and out-of-area contact person
Program emergency contacts in everyone’s phones under “ICE” (In Case of Emergency)
Keep a physical copy of important phone numbers in your wallet and emergency kit
Establish a meeting place near your home and another outside your neighborhood
Consider investing in two-way radios with a 30+ mile range for local communication when cell networks are down
Know how to send text messages, which can often go through when calls cannot

Evacuation Planning:

Knowing when and how to evacuate is critical during hurricanes. Our emergency preparedness experts emphasize that evacuation decisions should be made early, as delayed evacuation during a hurricane has led to numerous preventable tragedies. Your evacuation plan should include:

Multiple evacuation routes mapped out (with paper maps as backup)
Transportation arrangements if you don’t have a reliable vehicle
Locations of official shelters along your evacuation routes
A list of pet-friendly hotels or shelters if you have animals
Plans for elderly or disabled family members who may need special assistance
A pre-arranged meeting location for family members who may be separated

Our team always recommends practicing your evacuation route at least once per year, including alternate routes in case primary roads are blocked or congested. During our community preparedness workshops, we’ve found that families who physically drive their evacuation routes are much more confident when actual emergencies occur.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Family Members:

If your household includes elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or young children, your emergency plan needs additional elements. In our experience working with families with special needs, we’ve identified these critical considerations:

Ensure medical equipment has backup power options
Keep at least a two-week supply of medications
Register with local emergency management if anyone requires special assistance
Prepare comfort items for children to reduce anxiety
Have a plan for service animals or pets
Consider medical alert systems that work without traditional power

Securing Your Home Against Hurricane Damage

Proper home preparation can significantly reduce hurricane damage. According to insurance industry data, homes with hurricane mitigation features experience 40-60% less damage during major storms. The following measures should be implemented well before a storm warning is issued, as many require significant time and resources.

Roof Protection:

Your roof is particularly vulnerable during high winds. Our specialists emphasize that roof damage often leads to catastrophic structural failure and water intrusion. Based on post-hurricane assessments we’ve conducted, these measures provide the most effective protection:

Install hurricane straps or clips to secure roof-to-wall connections
Reinforce gable ends with additional bracing
Consider a secondary water barrier under shingles
Repair or replace damaged or missing shingles
Secure loose items on the roof, including antennas and satellite dishes
Have your roof professionally inspected before hurricane season

Window and Door Protection:

Windows and doors are common entry points for hurricane winds, which can pressurize your home and lead to structural failure. Based on our field testing of various protection systems, we recommend these proven approaches:

Impact-resistant windows: Permanently installed and always ready, but expensive
Hurricane shutters: Various types available including accordion, roll-down, and Bahama styles
Plywood covers: More affordable but must be properly installed with appropriate fasteners (minimum 5/8″ thickness)
Hurricane fabric: Lightweight alternative to plywood that can be easier to install
Reinforced garage doors: Install horizontal bracing or replace with hurricane-rated doors
Door reinforcement kits: Strengthen entry doors with additional hardware

In our experience helping homeowners prepare their properties, we’ve found that many people underestimate the time required to install temporary protections like plywood. Our team always recommends practicing installation at least once before storm season begins.

Yard and Outdoor Preparation:

Flying debris causes significant damage during hurricanes. A comprehensive approach to securing outdoor items is essential for protecting both your property and your neighbors’. Our experts recommend this checklist for outdoor preparation:

Trim trees and shrubs to remove dead or weak branches
Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations
Remove satellite dishes from roofs when possible
Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup
Secure trash cans or bring them inside
Move boats to secure inland locations
Reinforce or store garden structures like sheds and pergolas

What our emergency preparedness experts have seen work well is creating a “storm closet” in a garage or storage area where smaller outdoor items can be quickly stored when a storm threatens. This makes the yard-clearing process much more efficient during the often chaotic pre-storm period.

Building Your Hurricane Emergency Supply Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit is crucial for both sheltering in place and evacuation scenarios. FEMA and the Red Cross recommend having supplies to last at least 72 hours, but based on our post-disaster assessments, we strongly recommend preparing for at least 7-14 days without outside assistance. Major hurricanes often disrupt supply chains and emergency services for extended periods.

Water and Food Supplies:

Water and food are your most critical supplies. Hurricane Katrina, Maria, and other major storms have demonstrated that relief supplies may take days or even weeks to reach affected areas. Our team recommends these baseline provisions:

One gallon of water per person per day (minimum 7-day supply)
Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food (minimum 7-day supply)
Manual can opener
Baby formula and baby food if needed
Pet food and extra water for pets
Water purification methods (filters, purification tablets, or household bleach)
Cooking tools for use without power (camp stove with fuel, grill, etc.)

For more information on long-term water storage solutions, check out our detailed guide on how to store water long-term.

Power and Lighting:

Power outages during hurricanes often last days or weeks. Having reliable alternate power sources for essential devices and lighting is crucial for safety and comfort. Based on our field testing of various emergency power solutions, we recommend:

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred)
Flashlights (at least one per person)
Extra batteries in various sizes
Power banks for mobile phones (solar-powered options recommended)
Generator with sufficient fuel (if sheltering in place)
Solar chargers for small devices
Battery-powered fans for hot weather

Our specialists emphasize that fuel storage must comply with local regulations and safety guidelines. Never operate generators indoors or near windows, as carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of death after hurricanes.

For a comprehensive guide on power solutions during extended outages, see our article on how to prepare for long-term power outages.

First Aid and Medications:

Medical services are often strained or unavailable during and after major storms. A comprehensive first aid kit and adequate medication supplies are essential. Your medical preparations should include:

Complete first aid kit with manual
Prescription medications (minimum 2-week supply)
Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, etc.)
Medical supplies for specific conditions (glucose monitor, etc.)
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
Hearing aid batteries if needed
Personal hygiene items

Our team has observed that medication needs are often overlooked in emergency planning. We recommend talking to your doctor about emergency prescription supplies and proper storage during power outages, especially for medications requiring refrigeration.

Communication and Information Tools:

Staying informed during a hurricane is critical for making safe decisions. Based on our experience with multiple disaster scenarios, these communication tools have proven most reliable:

NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Two-way radios with extra batteries
Fully charged power banks for mobile devices
List of emergency contacts and important phone numbers
Local maps with evacuation routes marked
Signal mirror for emergency communications

For more information on communication options during disasters, read our guide on how to communicate in emergencies without cell service.

Important Documents:

After a major hurricane, proving identity and ownership becomes crucial for receiving assistance and filing insurance claims. Our emergency preparedness experts recommend creating a waterproof document kit containing:

Identification (driver’s licenses, birth certificates, passports)
Insurance policies with agent contact information
Medical information (prescriptions, health records, doctor contacts)
Property deeds, leases, or mortgage documents
Bank account information
Emergency contact information
Photos of valuable possessions for insurance claims

Store these documents in waterproof containers or sealed plastic bags, and consider keeping digital copies in encrypted cloud storage for remote access if physical copies are damaged.

Financial Preparedness for Hurricanes

Financial preparation is a critical but often overlooked aspect of hurricane readiness. According to FEMA, 40% of Americans would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense, much less the thousands often needed after a major storm. Based on our work with disaster survivors, we recommend these financial preparations:

Insurance Coverage:

Regular homeowner’s insurance typically excludes flood damage, which is the most common type of hurricane damage. Our team always recommends:

Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy annually
Consider separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program
Document your belongings with photos or video for claims
Understand your policy’s hurricane deductible (often higher than standard deductibles)
Check if your policy covers additional living expenses if you’re displaced
Consider windstorm insurance if you live in a high-risk area

In our experience, many homeowners discover too late that their insurance has significant gaps in hurricane coverage. We recommend scheduling an annual review with your insurance agent specifically focused on disaster coverage.

Emergency Cash Fund:

After a major hurricane, banking systems and credit card processing may be unavailable for days. Based on post-disaster assessments, our specialists recommend:

Keep cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)
Store cash in waterproof containers
Aim for enough cash to cover 1-2 weeks of basic expenses
Include quarters for laundromats, vending machines, and pay phones
Store cash in multiple locations in case one becomes inaccessible

During the Storm: Shelter-in-Place Procedures

If evacuation orders haven’t been issued or you’re unable to evacuate, knowing how to safely shelter in place is essential. Hurricane-force winds can last for hours, requiring careful planning for the duration of the storm. Our emergency response team recommends these shelter-in-place procedures:

Selecting the Safest Location:

Not all areas of your home provide equal protection during a hurricane. Based on structural analysis of storm-damaged homes, we recommend:

Choose a small, interior room on the lowest level (avoid basements in flood-prone areas)
Stay away from windows, exterior doors, and outside walls
Avoid rooms with large span roofs (like attached garages)
If possible, shelter in a room built as a safe room or storm shelter
Have multiple shelter options in case your primary location becomes unsafe

Safety During the Storm:

Many injuries occur during the storm itself. Our team’s analysis of hurricane-related injuries suggests these safety measures:

Listen to a battery-powered radio for updates and instructions
Keep your emergency supplies gathered in your shelter area
Stay away from windows and exterior doors
Take shelter under a sturdy table if wind threatens structural failure
Be aware of the “eye” of the hurricane – winds will temporarily calm before violently returning from the opposite direction
Have fire extinguishers accessible
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so by authorities

What our experts have seen work well is creating a “storm room” with mattresses against the walls for additional protection from debris. This simple measure has prevented numerous injuries during structural failures.

After the Storm: Recovery and Safety

The period immediately following a hurricane can be as dangerous as the storm itself. Downed power lines, contaminated water, structural damage, and other hazards require careful navigation. Based on our post-disaster recovery work, we recommend these safety protocols:

Initial Safety Assessment:

Before beginning cleanup or returning to an evacuated area, conduct a thorough safety assessment. Our field teams prioritize these checks:

Look for downed power lines and report them immediately
Check for gas leaks (if you smell gas, leave immediately and call for help)
Examine structural damage before entering buildings
Watch for wildlife (snakes, alligators, etc.) displaced by flooding
Be aware of contaminated water (assume all standing water is unsafe)
Check for fire hazards
Document damage with photos for insurance claims

Water Safety:

Contaminated water is a leading cause of illness after hurricanes. Our specialists emphasize these water safety protocols:

Assume all tap water is unsafe until authorities declare otherwise
Use bottled water or properly treated water for drinking and cooking
Follow boil water advisories exactly as instructed
Disinfect water using approved methods if necessary
Avoid contact with flood water, which may contain sewage and chemicals

For comprehensive guidance on water safety during emergencies, see our guide on water supply crisis preparedness.

Generator Safety:

Carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use is a leading cause of death after hurricanes. Based on our analysis of post-hurricane fatalities, these generator safety rules are non-negotiable:

Never use generators indoors or in partially enclosed spaces
Keep generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents
Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation
Allow generator to cool before refueling
Store fuel safely away from living areas

Cleanup Safety:

Hurricane cleanup presents numerous hazards from physical injuries to mold exposure. Our disaster recovery specialists recommend these safety measures:

Wear appropriate protective gear (gloves, masks, boots, eye protection)
Work with partners when using chainsaws or moving heavy debris
Be alert for exposed nails, broken glass, and other sharp objects
Address moisture and mold issues promptly
Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated
Be cautious of heat exhaustion when working without air conditioning

For more information on creating a comprehensive post-disaster recovery plan, read our post-disaster recovery guide.

Special Considerations for Apartment Dwellers

Hurricane preparation in apartments presents unique challenges, as residents often have less control over structural elements. Based on our work with urban communities, we recommend these apartment-specific strategies:

Working with Management:

Effective communication with property management is essential. Our team recommends:

Understand the building’s hurricane protocols and evacuation plans
Know who is responsible for installing window protections
Request information about generator capacity for common areas
Ask about water shutoff procedures in case of contamination
Understand elevator policies during storms (they’re typically shut down)

Apartment-Specific Preparations:

Limited space and structural constraints require creative solutions. Based on our work with apartment residents, these strategies have proven effective:

Identify the safest interior room (bathroom or closet without windows)
Use tension rods and plastic sheeting for additional window protection
Secure balcony items or bring them inside
Fill bathtubs with water for non-drinking purposes (flushing toilets, etc.)
Consider flood barriers for doors in ground-floor units

For more apartment-specific hurricane preparation strategies, see our guides on how to prepare your apartment for hurricanes and tornado preparation for apartment dwellers.

Community Preparedness and Mutual Aid

Individual preparation is essential, but community resilience significantly improves hurricane outcomes. According to research on disaster recovery, communities with strong social networks recover faster and experience fewer casualties. Based on our community resilience programs, we recommend these approaches:

Neighborhood Emergency Networks:

Establishing communication and support networks before disasters strike creates stronger communities. Our specialists recommend:

Create a neighborhood directory with contact information and special needs
Identify neighbors with useful skills (medical, construction, etc.)
Establish a neighborhood communication plan (meeting point, communication tree)
Identify vulnerable residents who may need extra assistance
Share resources like generators, chainsaws, and water purification equipment

For detailed guidance on building effective community emergency networks, see our guide on creating neighborhood emergency networks.

Conclusion: Building Hurricane Resilience

Hurricane preparation isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process of building resilience. The most prepared households treat hurricane readiness as a year-round commitment, regularly updating supplies, reinforcing homes, and reviewing emergency plans. This consistent approach transforms hurricane preparation from a stressful scramble into a confident readiness that significantly improves outcomes.

At Batten Emergency, we’ve seen firsthand how thorough preparation makes a critical difference during hurricanes and high-wind storms. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you’re taking meaningful steps toward protecting what matters most—your family, home, and community.

Remember that emergency preparedness is a journey, not a destination. Start with the most critical elements, then gradually build your resilience over time. Each improvement, no matter how small, increases your capacity to weather the storm and recover strongly.

For additional resources on emergency preparedness, explore our guides on family disaster planning and emergency kits for natural disasters.

Sources used for this article:

Hurricane Preparedness Guide, https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources, https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane
Prepare for Hurricanes, https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/before.html