How To Prepare for and Recover From Hurricanes

It's easy to feel powerless when facing such epic proportions of natural disasters.

Although evacuating early is the only proper way to avoid these dangerous storms, it isn't always an option for everyone. If you have to stay, you can take measures to protect your home and family.

Stacker consulted official recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, the Red Cross, and other experts to compile this comprehensive list of steps to prepare for and recover from a hurricane.

Sit down with your family and friends to discuss how you will find shelter, where you will evacuate, and how you will communicate in an emergency.

Make an Emergency Plan

Put Together an Emergency Kit

Every household should also have a stocked emergency supply kit, including a “go bag” for each person. That way, if you need to shelter in place or leave home in a hurry, you'll have everything you need to stay safe and healthy.

Do some research on your county to find out how often your area experiences tropical storms, then check FEMA's flood map to determine your risk of flooding.

Assess Risk Factors in Your Area

Don't overlook the nonhuman members of your family! If you have to evacuate, your pets need to evacuate, too. Make sure they're all microchipped and have identification tags—and make sure you plan how to evacuate them.

Plan For Your Pets

As soon as you hear that severe weather might be possible, start thinking about where you will go. Can you stay with friends or family? Do you need to make reservations at a hotel? Consider your route out of town, as well.

Know Your Evacuation Route

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