The Ultimate Hurricane Tip List
-Cat Country Listeners

Preparation

1. Prepare before a storm is announced. Buy supplies throughout hurricane season, not the day before landfall.
2. Build a hurricane kit with:
   • Water
   • Non-perishable food
   • Flashlights
   • Batteries
   • Pet supplies
   • Medications
   • First aid items
   • Trash bags
   • Important documents
   • Cash
3. Have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Many residents recommend planning for a week.
4. Refill prescription medications before a storm approaches.
5. Review your insurance coverage before hurricane season and consider flood insurance if needed.
6. Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather notifications.
7. Know your evacuation zone and flood zone before a storm develops.

Water & Food

8. Store more water than the minimum recommendation if possible. Don’t forget water for pets.
9. Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets and other non-drinking uses.
10. Freeze water bottles and containers ahead of time. They’ll keep food cold longer and provide drinking water as they thaw.
11. Freeze large containers of water to help preserve freezer contents during power outages.
12. Don’t eat your hurricane snacks before the hurricane.
13. Consider shelf-stable foods, MREs, canned goods, fruit cups, and other foods that don’t require refrigeration.

Fuel & Transportation

14. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank topped off throughout hurricane season.
15. Fill approved gas containers before shortages begin.
16. Test generators before they’re needed and make sure you have enough fuel.

Power & Electronics

17. Charge phones, tablets, battery packs, rechargeable lights, and other electronics before the storm arrives.
18. Battery-powered fans can make a huge difference during extended power outages.
19. Many cordless tool battery systems have compatible fans, lights, and USB chargers that can be useful after a storm.
20. If air conditioning is a major concern, consider a small window unit that can be powered by a generator.

Home Preparation

21. Trim trees and remove dead limbs before hurricane season.
22. Secure outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans, and other loose objects.
23. Ratchet strap or otherwise secure garbage cans if high winds are expected.
24. Cut your grass before the storm. It makes debris cleanup easier afterward.
25. Clean your home before the storm. Returning to a clean house after a disaster is one less thing to worry about.
26. Complete your laundry before landfall. Clean clothes become valuable when power and water are unavailable.
27. Wash dishes and empty sinks before the storm.
28. Cool your home down before the storm and keep doors and windows closed if power is lost.

Generator Safety

29. Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, or enclosed space.
30. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Pets

31. Stock extra pet food, medications, and supplies.
32. Change cat litter before the storm. Nobody wants a hot, dirty litter box during a power outage.

Evacuation

33. If officials recommend evacuation, leave early.
34. Waiting until the last minute can mean gridlocked roads, closed bridges, and dangerous travel conditions.
35. Trust your instincts. If a storm feels serious, take it seriously.

After the Storm

36. Be careful what you post on social media regarding damage if you expect to file an insurance claim.
37. Have binoculars available for post-storm wildlife and bird watching opportunities.
38. Keep chainsaws, pruning tools, and cleanup equipment ready for debris removal.

Community

39. Know your neighbors before a storm arrives.
40. Help each other. Hurricane recovery is often a community effort.

Gulf Coast Wisdom

41. Don’t panic—but don’t ignore the forecast.
42. Hurricanes are easier to prepare for than recover from.
43. The best time to get ready is before anyone else starts buying water and bread.
44. If you’re new to the Gulf Coast, listen to people who have been through multiple hurricanes.
45. If Waffle House closes, pay attention.

Honorable Mentions (Listener Humor)

• Make friends with the neighbor who owns a Generac.
• Stock up on hurricane snacks.
• Keep plenty of beer on hand.
• Plan your hurricane party responsibly.
• “Don’t worry until Waffle House closes.”
• “If Waffle House closes, I’m leaving.”

This really boils down to five essentials:

Water. Fuel. Cash. Medications. A Plan.

Complete list of tips Here: Ultimate Hurricane Tip List