Before a Hurricane
During a Hurricane
After a Hurricane
Additional Resources
If you are a disaster survivor, please visit FEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, email AskIA@fema.dhs.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surges, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Historically, storm surge is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. In parts of the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons.
Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season: May 15-November 30.
Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30.
Central Pacific Typhoon Season: June 1-November 30.
Before a Hurricane/Typhoon
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- Know Your Hurricane Risk
- Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.
- Make an Emergency Plan
- Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans.
- Identify whether you may need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability.
- Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
- Know your Evacuation Zone
- You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
- Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and issue safety measures.
- Recognize Warnings and Alerts
- Be sure to have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
- Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up.
- Review Important Documents
- Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
- Strengthen your Home
- De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture and consider hurricane shutters.
- Get Tech Ready
- Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
- Gather Supplies
- Have enough supplies for your household. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.
- Help your Neighborhood
- Check with neighbors, senior adults or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.
During a Hurricane/Tyhpoon
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- Stay Informed
- Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
- If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Dealing with the Weather
- Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
- Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
- Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
After a Hurricane/Typhoon
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- Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.
- Be careful during cleanup. Wear protective clothing and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold. Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.
- Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
- Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge the water.
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Additional Resources
- Hurricane Preparedness Graphics
- Hurricane Season Preparedness Digital Toolkit
- Storm Surge Public Service Announcements
- FEMA Accessible: Hurricane Safety Messages
- Prepare to Protect: Public Service Advertisements
- Flood Map Service Center
- National Flood Insurance Program
Partner Resources