Weather Champs® Hurricane Preparedness Guide 2026

Be Ready Before the Storm

Hurricanes are among the most powerful and destructive weather events on Earth. While forecasts continue to improve, preparation remains the single most important factor in protecting your family, property, and finances.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, but tropical systems can develop before or after those dates. Every resident in hurricane-prone areas should have a preparedness plan before the first storm threatens.

1. Know Your Risk

Understanding your location's risk is the first step toward preparedness.

Primary Hurricane Hazards

• Storm surge

• Damaging winds

• Inland flooding

• Tornadoes

• Extended power outages

• Dangerous lightning

Even tropical storms can produce life-threatening flooding and tornadoes hundreds of miles from the coast.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Do I live in an evacuation zone?

• Is my home vulnerable to flooding?

• Am I near the coast, a river, or a low-lying area?

• Do I have adequate insurance coverage?

2. Build a Hurricane Emergency Kit

Experts recommend maintaining enough supplies for at least 7 days.

Water

• One gallon per person per day

• Additional water for pets

Food

• Non-perishable canned goods

• Protein bars

• Peanut butter

• Crackers

• Dried fruit

• Shelf-stable meals

Medical Supplies

• Prescription medications

• First-aid kit

• Medical devices and batteries

• Copies of prescriptions

Emergency Essentials

• Flashlights

• Extra batteries

• Portable weather radio

• Phone chargers

• Power banks

• Cash

• Important documents in waterproof containers

For Pets

• Food

• Water

• Medication

• Leashes

• Vaccination records

3. Prepare Your Home

Outside

• Trim trees and dead branches

• Secure outdoor furniture

• Bring loose objects indoors

• Clean gutters and drains

• Inspect roofing

Windows

• Install storm shutters if available

• Measure windows in advance for plywood protection

Vehicles

• Keep gas tanks full during hurricane season

• Move vehicles to higher ground if flooding is expected

4. Review Your Insurance

Many homeowners discover coverage gaps after a disaster.

Verify:

• Homeowners insurance

• Flood insurance

• Windstorm coverage

• Deductibles

• Personal property limits

Document Your Property

Take photos or videos of:

• Exterior

• Interior rooms

• Electronics

• Appliances

• Valuable possessions

Store copies in cloud storage.

5. Create a Family Communication Plan

When storms strike, communication networks may fail.

Every Family Should Know:

• Emergency contact numbers

• Meeting locations

• Evacuation routes

• Out-of-state contact person

Save Important Numbers

• Local emergency management

• Utility companies

• Insurance carrier

• Family contacts

6. Understand Hurricane Alerts

• Tropical Storm Watch

Conditions are possible within 48 hours.

• Tropical Storm Warning

Conditions are expected within 36 hours.

• Hurricane Watch

Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

• Hurricane Warning

Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.

• Storm Surge Warning

Life-threatening coastal flooding is expected.

Do not focus solely on the storm category. Storm surge and flooding often cause the greatest loss of life.

7. Evacuation Tips

If local officials order an evacuation:

Leave Early

Traffic becomes increasingly difficult as landfall approaches.

Take:

• Emergency kit

• Medications

• Important documents

• Chargers

• Extra clothing

• Pet supplies

Before Leaving

• Unplug electronics

• Turn off utilities if instructed

• Lock doors and windows

Never ignore an evacuation order.

8. During the Storm

Stay Indoors

Remain away from windows and glass doors.

Monitor Conditions

Use:

• Weather Champs®

• NOAA Weather Radio

• Local emergency officials

Avoid:

• Driving during high winds

• Walking through floodwater

• Operating generators indoors

Remember:

If the eye of the hurricane passes overhead, conditions may temporarily improve. Stay sheltered until officials declare the danger has passed.

9. After the Storm

Watch for Hidden Dangers

• Downed power lines

• Flooded roads

• Gas leaks

• Structural damage

Flood Safety

Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet.

Twelve inches can carry away a vehicle.

Turn Around, Don't Drown®.

Document Damage

Take photos before beginning cleanup.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

10. Power Outage Preparedness

Extended outages can last days or even weeks.

Have:

• Fully charged power banks

• Flashlights

• Battery-powered fans

• Ice and coolers

• Generator (used outdoors only)

Generator Safety

Place generators:

• Outdoors

• At least 20 feet from doors and windows

• Never inside garages

Carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a major hazard after hurricanes.

11. Weather Champs® Hurricane Checklist

✅ Emergency supplies stocked

✅ Family communication plan completed

✅ Insurance reviewed

✅ Home documented

✅ Devices charged

✅ Evacuation routes identified

✅ Vehicles fueled

✅ Outdoor items secured

✅ Pet supplies ready

✅ Weather Champs® installed and notifications enabled

Final Thoughts

Preparation is not about fear—it is about reducing uncertainty before a storm arrives. The most successful hurricane preparations occur long before a tropical system appears on the map.

As we move through the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, stay informed, have a plan, and monitor conditions regularly.

Weather can change quickly. Being prepared today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Stay weather-aware. Stay prepared. Stay a Weather Champ. 

This guide is intended for educational purposes and should supplement guidance provided by local emergency management officials and the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service.