Hurricane Warning: What to Do Right Now

When a hurricane warning is issued for your area, you must act immediately: finish last-minute preparations, then go to your safe room or evacuate if ordered, and stay there until officials say it is safe. A warning means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected within 36 hours, so this is not a time for debate or delay. This guide covers the specific steps to take, what to pack, how to protect your home, and how to stay safe during and after the storm.

Understanding the Warning

A hurricane warning is issued by the National Weather Service when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected within 36 hours. This is different from a hurricane watch, which means conditions are possible within 48 hours. The warning is your signal to complete all preparations and, if you live in an evacuation zone or a mobile home, to leave immediately. Do not wait for a “better� warning—there is none. The storm may strengthen or speed up, so treat the warning as the final call.

Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes)

Once the warning is issued, do these things in order:

• Fill your car’s gas tank and park it facing the exit of your driveway.
• Move outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans, and potted plants inside or tie them down.
• Bring in or secure any loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Charge all phones, laptops, and power banks. Download offline maps and emergency apps.
• Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for flushing toilets and cleaning (not for drinking unless you treat it).
• Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and freeze water bottles to keep food cold longer.

If you are in an evacuation zone, a mobile home, or a flood-prone area, skip the home prep and leave now. Your life is worth more than your furniture.

Evacuation vs. Shelter-in-Place

Local officials will issue evacuation orders for specific zones. Follow them. If you are not ordered to evacuate, you still need to decide whether to stay. Consider these factors:

• Your home’s construction: concrete or masonry with a safe room is better than a wood-frame house.
• Flood risk: even a Category 1 storm can cause deadly storm surge. If you are within a mile of the coast, leave.
• Your health: if you need electricity for medical equipment, you should evacuate to a shelter or a friend’s home inland.
• Your family: have a plan for pets, elderly relatives, and children.

If you stay, designate a small interior room (bathroom, hallway, closet) with no windows. That is your safe spot. Bring your emergency kit, blankets, and a mattress to cover yourself.

Building Your Emergency Kit

You should have this ready before the warning, but if not, gather it now:

• Water: one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days (that’s 3 gallons per person minimum).
• Food: 3-day supply of non-perishable items (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit).
• Medications: at least a 7-day supply of prescriptions and over-the-counter meds.
• First aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Important documents (IDs, insurance policies, deeds) in a waterproof bag.
• Cash: ATMs may not work after the storm.
• Personal hygiene items, baby supplies, pet food, and a manual can opener.

Pack everything in a backpack or duffel bag that you can grab in 30 seconds. If you evacuate, take it with you.

Protecting Your Home

If you have time and are staying, do these tasks:

• Board up windows with plywood (5/8-inch thick) cut to fit, or install storm shutters. Do not tape windows—it does not stop them from breaking.
• Secure doors: brace garage doors, and reinforce entry doors with extra bolts.
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
• Move valuables and important documents to a high shelf or second floor to avoid flood damage.
• If you have a generator, never run it indoors or in a garage. Place it outside, at least 20 feet from windows and doors.

Remember: your home can be replaced. Do not risk your life to save a TV.

During the Storm

Once the storm arrives, stay in your safe room. Do not go outside, even during the “eye� of the storm. The eye is a lull in winds, but the back half of the storm is just as dangerous. Listen to a battery-powered radio or your phone for updates. If you hear a tornado warning (hurricanes can spawn tornadoes), move to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Stay put until officials say the warning has ended. This can take hours—be patient.

After the Storm

Do not assume the danger is over. Follow these steps:

• Stay inside until local officials say it is safe. Downed power lines can be live and deadly.
• If you evacuated, do not return until authorities say it is safe. Roads may be flooded or blocked.
• Watch for flooding: never drive or walk through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you down; 12 inches can carry away a car.
• Check for gas leaks and electrical damage. If you smell gas, turn off the main valve and leave the house.
• Take photos of damage for insurance claims before making temporary repairs.
• Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid fire risk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

People often make these errors during hurricane warnings:

• Waiting too long to leave: if you wait for the “perfectâ€� time, roads will be jammed and bridges may close.
• Forgetting to fill the gas tank: gas stations run out quickly and pumps don’t work without power.
• Using candles for light: they cause fires. Use flashlights.
• Going outside during the eye: the storm isn’t over; the back half is coming.
• Not having cash: ATMs and card readers fail without power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning?

A watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours—start preparing. A warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours—act now. The warning is the final trigger to execute your plan.

Should I tape my windows?

No. Taping does not prevent windows from breaking; it can create larger, more dangerous shards. Use plywood or shutters, or leave them and move to an interior room.

Can I stay in my apartment on the second floor?

Yes, if you are not in an evacuation zone and the building is structurally sound. Higher floors are safer from storm surge, but you must be away from windows and have a safe room. Check with your landlord about building safety.

What should I do with my pets?

Never leave pets behind. If you evacuate, take them with you. Many shelters accept pets, but check ahead. Have a carrier, leash, food, and meds for them.

How long will the power be out?

It varies from hours to weeks, depending on damage. Be prepared for at least 3 days without power. Have a battery-powered radio and enough food and water.

Is it safe to drive during a hurricane?

No. High winds can flip your car, and flooding can trap you. If you must drive, stay on high ground and avoid flooded roads. But the safest place is inside a sturdy building.

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in t | Time to landfall | hours | 24 | 0
in d | Distance to coast | miles | 30 | 0
out pace | Time remaining | hours | t | 0