Preparing the people who matter most.

Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about protecting your home or gathering supplies. It’s about making sure every member of your household knows what to do before, during, and after a storm.

Children, older adults, pets, and family members with medical or mobility needs often require additional planning. Taking the time to prepare for their unique needs can reduce stress, improve safety, and help your family respond confidently when severe weather threatens.

The best emergency plans are the ones everyone understands.

Every family is different.

Some households include young children.

Others care for aging parents or relatives with medical conditions.

Many families include beloved pets that depend entirely on their owners during emergencies.

A hurricane plan should consider everyone’s needs—not just the average adult.

Preparing together also helps reduce fear by giving everyone a role and a plan.

Before hurricane season begins, gather your household and discuss:

• When you will evacuate.
• Where you will go.
• How you’ll communicate if separated.
• What each person’s responsibilities are.
• Where emergency supplies are stored.

Children often handle emergencies better when they know what to expect.

Simple conversations today can prevent confusion tomorrow.

Storms can be frightening, especially for young children.

Help them feel more secure by including familiar items in your emergency supplies.

Consider packing:

• Favorite stuffed animals
• Books
• Coloring supplies
• Small games
• Comfort blankets
• Snacks they enjoy
• Headphones for loud environments

Keep explanations simple, honest, and age-appropriate.

Children take emotional cues from the adults around them.

Remaining calm helps them remain calm.

Older adults may require additional planning during hurricanes.

Think about:

• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment
• Mobility aids
• Hearing aids
• Extra eyeglasses
• Backup batteries
• Medical records
• Transportation assistance

If evacuation is necessary, leave early to avoid long traffic delays and crowded shelters.

Some individuals depend on electricity or specialized care.

Prepare by identifying:

• Backup power options
• Alternate treatment locations
• Emergency contacts
• Hospital information
• Medication storage requirements
• Medical identification

If someone relies on powered medical equipment, make backup power planning a priority before hurricane season begins.

Pets are family too.

They need emergency planning just as much as people do.

Prepare an emergency pet kit that includes:

• Food
• Water
• Bowls
• Medications
• Leashes
• Carriers
• Waste bags
• Favorite toys
• Vaccination records
• Identification tags

Never leave pets behind during an evacuation.

If it isn’t safe for you to stay, it isn’t safe for them either.

Not every hotel or shelter accepts animals.

Research your options before hurricane season.

Know:

• Pet-friendly hotels
• Boarding facilities
• Friends or family who can help
• County pet shelter policies

Planning ahead prevents difficult decisions during an evacuation.

Protect important records in waterproof containers and digital backups.

Include copies of:

• Driver’s licenses
• Passports
• Birth certificates
• Insurance policies
• Medical records
• Vaccination records
• Pet ownership documents
• Emergency contact lists

Store both physical and digital copies whenever possible.

While you’ll have shared household supplies, each family member should also have personal essentials.

Consider including:

• Clothing
• Personal hygiene items
• Prescription medications
• Phone charger
• Flashlight
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Comfort items

Children can even carry small backpacks with age-appropriate supplies.

Make communication part of your preparedness plan.

Choose:

• An out-of-state emergency contact
• A meeting location
• A backup meeting location
• Multiple ways to communicate

Keep important phone numbers written on paper as well as stored digitally.

Technology is helpful—but paper never runs out of battery.

Recovery affects every family member differently.

Some people want to clean immediately.

Others may feel overwhelmed.

Children may become anxious.

Pets may act differently in unfamiliar environments.

Give everyone time to adjust.

Maintain familiar routines whenever possible.

Eat meals together.

Talk openly.

Celebrate progress, even if it’s small.

Recovery is easier when families support one another.

The strongest hurricane plans don’t just protect houses.

They protect people.

When every member of your household understands the plan, has the supplies they need, and knows what to expect, your family becomes more resilient and better prepared for whatever hurricane season brings.

Preparedness begins with a conversation—and grows through planning together.