With Hurricane Irma moving toward Florida, now is an important moment to review hurricane safety. If you decide to shelter in place rather than evacuate, taking a few practical steps can improve your protection against strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and other hurricane-related hazards.
Prepare your home
Secure windows and external openings to reduce wind and debris damage. Boarding up windows or installing storm shutters can help prevent shattered glass and limit water intrusion. Remove or fasten outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other items that could become airborne projectiles in high winds.
Assemble an emergency kit
Keep a well-stocked disaster supply kit in an easily accessible location. This ensures you have essentials if power is lost, roads are blocked, or medical needs arise. The National Hurricane Center recommends including at least the following items:
- Water: at least one gallon per person per day for 3–7 days
- Food: nonperishable items to last 3–7 days; include a manual can opener, snacks, and disposable plates and utensils
- Blankets and pillows
- Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
- First-aid kit, necessary medications, and any required prescriptions
- Special supplies for infants, older adults, or people with disabilities, if needed
- Toiletries, hygiene supplies, and wet wipes
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Fully charged cell phone and portable power banks
- Cash and credit cards (ATMs and card readers may be unavailable)
- Keys for your home and vehicles
- Entertainment for children: toys, books, and games
- Important documents in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag (IDs, insurance papers, medical records)
- Basic tools (multi-tool, wrench, duct tape, utility knife)
- Vehicles fueled up and ready in case you must evacuate
- Pet supplies: food, water, ID tags, leash, and a carrier or crate
During the storm
Stay tuned to local authorities and weather alerts. Use battery-powered devices to receive updates if power fails. Stay away from windows and exterior doors, move to an interior room on the lowest safe floor if flooding is likely, and avoid using candles to reduce fire risk. If instructed to evacuate, do so promptly and follow recommended routes.
After the storm
Exercise caution when inspecting your property: watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Photograph damage for insurance purposes and contact your insurer as soon as possible. Avoid driving through flooded roads—just a few inches of water can disable a vehicle or sweep it away. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility challenges, and keep listening to official guidance about returning to or entering damaged areas.
The exact track of Hurricane Irma may change, so monitor updates and be ready to adjust plans. Stay safe, and if you have practical tips from personal experience with hurricanes, please share them in the comments to help others prepare.