Hurricane Season Preparedness—What You Should Know

Hurricane season begins on June 1. Each year, it reminds us how quickly conditions can change. A storm does not need to make direct landfall to put people at risk. One forecast, warning, or night of rising wind and water can show why preparation matters.

Hurricanes are more than major weather events. Preparing throughout the season can protect lives and property.

Hurricanes can destroy homes, separate families, and leave lasting damage in communities. Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest and costliest storms in U.S. history. When it made landfall on August 29, 2005, more than 1,800 people died.

That disaster is personal because I lived through it in New Orleans. As a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, I understand the value of preparation, awareness, and timely action. What you know before a storm can help protect you, your family, and your community.

What is hurricane preparedness, and why does it matter?

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that forms over warm tropical or subtropical waters. It has a low-pressure center, thunderstorms, and sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour (NOAA National Ocean Service).

Many hurricanes begin as tropical waves moving through warm, humid air. Warm, moist air rises and lowers the pressure near the ocean surface. More air moves in, rises, cools, and forms clouds and thunderstorms.

Condensing moisture releases heat that strengthens the storm. If warm water and low wind shear persist, the system can develop into a hurricane (NOAA Ocean Service). Understanding how storms form is an important part of preparedness.

How hurricane safety tips begin with understanding storm categories

A tropical cyclone becomes a hurricane when sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale ranks hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5 based only on wind speed (National Hurricane Center).

The scale describes potential wind damage. It does not measure storm surge, heavy rainfall, or tornadoes. Knowing the categories can help you understand the risk and respond appropriately.

According to the National Weather Service, the Saffir-Simpson scale is used to describe the hurricane’s strength based on sustained wind speed. The categories below show how hurricanes are grouped by intensity and the level of damage they may cause. For successful hurricane season preparedness, pay close attention to these categories and always follow guidance from your local officials.

Category 1 hurricane

A Category 1 hurricane has sustained winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour (64 to 82 knots or 119 to 153 km/h). It is the lowest hurricane category, but it is still dangerous.

High winds can damage roofs, shingles, gutters, and vinyl siding. They can also break large branches, uproot shallow-rooted trees, and damage power lines.

Category 2 hurricane

Category 2 hurricanes have sustained winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour (83 to 95 knots or 154 to 177 km/h). These storms can cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, and trees. In terms of hurricane season preparedness, expect near-total power loss and outages lasting from several days to weeks.

Category 3 hurricane

A Category 3 hurricane has sustained winds of 111 to 129 miles per hour (96 to 112 knots or 178 to 208 km/h). These storms can cause devastating damage, including major roof damage or complete roof failure.

Strong winds can snap or uproot trees, block roads, and damage power lines. Water and electricity may be unavailable for days or weeks.

Category 4 hurricane

A Category 4 hurricane has sustained winds of 130 to 156 miles per hour (113 to 136 knots or 209 to 251 km/h). These storms can cause catastrophic damage, including severe exterior-wall damage and the loss of most of a roof.

Winds can snap trees and power poles, block roads, and isolate neighborhoods. Prepare for outages that may last for weeks or months.

Category 5 hurricane

A Category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of 157 miles per hour or higher (137 knots or higher, or 252 km/h or higher). These storms can destroy homes and cause catastrophic damage.

Buildings may suffer total roof failure or collapsed walls. Fallen trees, power lines, and utility poles can isolate communities. The hardest-hit areas may remain uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Storm season preparedness: key hurricane risks and hazards

Hurricanes are unpredictable, and no two are alike. You should think twice before deciding to “hunker down and ride out” a storm. Staying in a hurricane will put you at risk of death. Here are some hazards associated with hurricanes.

Water Hazard

• Flooding: Hurricanes are super-sized wind events. Intense rainfall associated with hurricanes can cause significant flooding miles from the coast.
• Flash flooding happens when rain falls in volumes that pumping systems cannot handle. Flooded roads and highways can make traveling and evacuation difficult, if not impossible.
• Floodwater can contain chemicals, debris, harmful bacteria, and sewage.
• The risk of being swept away by floodwaters and drowning.

Hurricane Storm Surge

Historically, storm surges have been the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Storm surges can submerge coastal areas, causing widespread flooding and structural damage to homes and buildings. Storm surge can also wash away roads.

Storm season preparedness also means planning for wind hazards

High winds are a serious hazard in every hurricane category. They can turn garbage cans, flower pots, and other loose objects into projectiles.

Flying debris can damage your home and cause injury. The stronger the storm, the greater the risk.

Hurricanes spawn tornadoes. Although a tornado is generally weaker and shorter-lived than a hurricane, it can still cause severe damage. A tornado lasting thirty seconds can do as much, if not more, damage than a hurricane that lasts several hours.

How to prepare for hurricane season before a storm arrives

Develop a plan – You should start preparing for a hurricane at least 48 hours before. It is crucial to have a plan in place before a storm approaches.

Your hurricane emergency plan should include:

• A safe room within your home or a designated storm shelter, if you choose to stay at home 
• An evacuation plan
• A hurricane disaster kit containing essential items such as food, water, medications, and first-aid supplies
•  battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items like hand sanitizer, toilet paper
• A communication plan to stay in touch with family and friends

Hurricane safety tips for protecting your home

Whether you leave or stay at home for a hurricane, secure your home. To protect your home from hurricane damage and vandalism, you should:

• Reinforce windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
• Secure trash cans, outdoor furniture, and decorations, including flower pots and wind chimes, to prevent them from becoming projectiles that could cause harm.
• Trim weak or rotted tree branches near your home to minimize damage.

Hurricane season has arrived, and preparation should not wait. If you live in an area that could be affected, make a hurricane plan now and gather your supplies early. The steps you take today could make a critical difference when a storm approaches.

Hurricane Preparedness FAQs

What is the best time to prepare for hurricane season?
The best time is before June 1 and well before a storm threatens your area. Aim to finish final preparations at least 48 hours before possible impacts.

Preparing early gives you time to build an emergency kit, review evacuation routes, secure your home, and discuss the plan with your family.

What should be in a hurricane emergency kit?
A hurricane emergency kit should include bottled water, nonperishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, sanitation items, important documents, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Is storm surge more dangerous than wind?
Storm surge can be extremely dangerous and has historically been one of the leading causes of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. While wind causes major structural damage, rising water can quickly trap people, flood homes, and cut off evacuation routes.

Should you stay home during a hurricane?
Whether you should stay home during a hurricane depends on local evacuation orders, your location, and the strength of the storm. If officials tell you to evacuate, leave as early as possible. Staying in place during a dangerous storm can put your life at risk.