How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

What to Include in a Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Hurricane season isn’t something that should be taken lightly. With storms becoming more intense and unpredictable, proper preparation is no longer optional. Whether you live on the coast or inland, taking action before a hurricane is on the radar can save your home, your valuables, and even your life. 

Don’t stress. Acting now leaves plenty of time to gather everything you need for dangerous storms, including one often-overlooked item that can make a big difference in protecting your home: FloodTape®. This easy-to-use ALL-IN-ONE solution helps homeowners and businesses proactively protect against flood damage. Unlike bulky sandbags or costly barriers, it offers fast, effective waterproofing you can trust when every second counts.

FloodTape® applies quickly and easily.

Know Your Risks

The first step in preparing for hurricane season is understanding your specific risk level. If you live in a coastal area, you’re more susceptible to storm surge and wind damage. But even those living further inland aren’t off the hook. As we’ve seen recently in North Carolina, hurricanes can bring devastating rainfall and flash flooding hundreds of miles from the coast.

Take time to:

• Know your flood zone using FEMA’s flood maps

• Assess your insurance (remember: most standard homeowner policies don’t include flood coverage)

• Plan financially for potential evacuation or recovery expenses

Create an Emergency Plan

Hurricanes often come with limited notice. Having a family emergency plan in place can help reduce chaos and ensure everyone knows what to do.

Key components of your plan:

• Evacuation routes: Know where you're going and multiple ways to get there

• Communication strategy: Decide how your family will stay in touch if cell service is limited

• Pet preparation: Make sure your evacuation plan includes food, carriers, and accommodations for pets

• Important documents: Keep digital backups of IDs, insurance papers, and medical records, and store physical copies in a waterproof container

Stock Your Hurricane Kit

Your hurricane preparedness kit should include enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Make sure it’s easy to grab if you need to evacuate.

Essentials to include:

• 1 gallon of water per person per day

• First aid kit

• Prescription medications and personal hygiene items

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Battery-powered or NOAA weather radio

• Phone chargers and power banks (Solar powered chargers can be helpful if the emergency lasts longer than 24 hours)

• Extra cash

• Non-perishable food items (Canned goods, protein bars, dry snacks)

• Soap, wipes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products

• Waterproof container with important documents

• FloodTape®

• Trash bags

• If possible, comfort items like games, books, or blankets are good to have on hand

Our biggest tip is to not wait until a storm is forecasted because shelves can empty quickly. Keep your hurricane kit in good condition by replacing food and water every six months.

FloodTape® can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Protect Your Home Before the Storm

When it comes to your home, every minute of preparation counts. Start these tasks well in advance of any storm alerts.

1. Bring patio furniture and loose outdoor items inside

2. Trim trees and remove dead branches

3. Board up windows or install storm shutters

4. Test your generator and stock extra fuel

5. Elevate electronics and valuables in flood-prone areas

6. Install FloodTape®

FloodTape® is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your home from water intrusion.

• Creates a waterproof seal on doors, garage openings, crawlspaces, and other vulnerable areas

• Easy to apply, even in emergency conditions

• Sticks strong and holds up in extreme weather

• Removes without residue & damage

• A must-have for every hurricane kit

Unlike sandbags or costly barriers, FloodTape® is quick, clean, and cost-effective. It’s designed for anyone from DIY homeowners to disaster response professionals.

FloodTape® is simple to apply and removes easily after the storm.

After the Storm: Safety First

The danger doesn’t end when the storm passes. Be cautious and take your time reentering affected areas. Avoid floodwaters that may contain debris, sewage, or downed power lines. Document all damage with photos for insurance claims. Check your home’s structure before reentering. Don’t use generators indoors, carbon monoxide is deadly.

Build Your Hurricane Kit Today

Hurricane season may be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By taking a few key steps now, you can dramatically reduce your risk later.

Don’t wait for the storm. Prepare today and don’t forget the FloodTape®!