Hurricane season brings powerful storms, flooding, and life‑threatening winds that can turn everyday routines—and especially a planned move—upside down. Whether you live along the coast or inland, having a clear hurricane season preparation strategy and well‑thought‑out evacuation routes can make the difference between chaos and a safe, organized response. With the right planning, you can protect your family, your home, and your belongings, and even complete a move with far less stress during storm season.
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Instead of reacting at the last minute when a storm is already on the radar, a proactive plan helps you stay ahead: knowing when to leave, where to go, how to secure your property, and what to do if you’re in the middle of a relocation. This guide walks you through hurricane season prep, evacuation planning, and practical steps you can take before, during, and after a storm—especially if you’re moving.
Hurricane Season Basics: Timing, Risks, and Key Terms
When Is Hurricane Season?
The official hurricane seasons in the U.S. are:
- Atlantic: June 1 – November 30
- Eastern Pacific: May 15 – November 30
Peak activity typically happens between August and October, but strong storms can form anytime within these windows. If you’re planning a move, try to avoid peak months in hurricane‑prone regions when possible, or build in extra flexibility.
Key Hurricane Terms to Know
Understanding forecast language helps you make better decisions:
- Tropical Depression: Organized system of clouds and storms with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
- Tropical Storm: Sustained winds of 39–73 mph; can still cause major flooding and damage.
- Hurricane: Sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, classified from Category 1 to Category 5.
- Storm Surge: Abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, often the deadliest part of a hurricane.
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in about 48 hours—review and finalize your plans.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours or less—complete preps and be ready to evacuate immediately.
Hurricane Categories vs. Real Risk
Many people focus only on the Saffir‑Simpson wind scale (Category 1–5), but lower‑category storms can still be deadly because of flooding and storm surge. Don’t underestimate a Category 1 or 2 storm, especially if you live near water or in low‑lying areas.
| Category | Wind Speed (mph) | Typical Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74–95 | Some roof and siding damage, power outages, localized flooding |
| 2 | 96–110 | Major roof damage, near‑total power loss, dangerous storm surge |
| 3 | 111–129 | Devastating damage, structural problems, long‑term outages |
| 4 | 130–156 | Catastrophic damage, most trees snapped, heavily damaged homes |
| 5 | 157+ | High percentage of homes destroyed, unlivable areas for weeks or months |
Creating a Hurricane Emergency Plan for Your Household
An effective emergency plan takes the guesswork out of stressful moments. Everyone in your household should know what to do if a hurricane is approaching, including where you’ll go, what you’ll bring, and how you’ll communicate.
Step 1: Identify Your Risks and Evacuation Zone
Start by learning your risk level:
- Check your local or state emergency management website for evacuation zones and storm surge maps.
- Use tools like FEMA’s flood maps to see if you’re in a high‑risk flooding area.
- Find out whether your home or new residence is in an area that is likely to be under an evacuation order.
If you’re moving to a new city or neighborhood, do this research before signing a lease or closing on a home, so you understand the local hurricane and flooding history.
Step 2: Choose Where You’ll Go
Plan multiple safe destinations in case your first choice becomes unavailable:
- Friends or family inland: Often the most comfortable and least crowded option.
- Hotels outside the evacuation zone: Call ahead to confirm pet policies and availability during storms.
- Community shelters: County or city‑run shelters; some may not accept pets or large belongings.
Always have at least one backup destination, and make sure you know the address, phone number, and approximate travel time for each option.
Step 3: Plan for Every Member of the Household
Your plan should account for:
- Children: Pack comfort items, games, and child‑specific medications.
- Older adults: List medications, medical devices, and mobility support.
- People with disabilities: Plan accessible transportation and equipment needs.
- Pets: Food, carriers, vaccination records, and pet‑friendly destinations or shelters.
Step 4: Set Up a Communication Strategy
During storms, cell networks may be overloaded or intermittent. Prepare by:
- Designating an out‑of‑town contact to relay messages between family members.
- Writing down key phone numbers in case phones die or contacts are inaccessible.
- Agreeing on a meeting point if you get separated.
- Establishing a check‑in schedule (e.g., every 6 or 12 hours).
Building a Hurricane Emergency Kit: What You Really Need
An emergency kit keeps you self‑sufficient for at least 72 hours if services are disrupted. If you’re in a high‑risk area, consider stocking for 5–7 days.
Core Emergency Supplies
Use this checklist as a starting point:
- Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day (more in hot climates)
- Non‑perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, nuts, dried fruit
- Manual can opener
- Medications: 7‑day supply, plus copies of prescriptions
- First‑aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, gauze, tape
- Flashlights and extra batteries (or hand‑crank lights)
- Battery‑powered or hand‑crank NOAA weather radio
- Portable chargers and fully charged power banks
- Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers may be down)
- Multi‑tool or basic toolbox
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Change of clothing, sturdy shoes, rain gear
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, wipes, sanitizer)
- Important documents in waterproof bags (IDs, insurance, titles, leases, moving contracts)
Extra Items if You’re Moving During Hurricane Season
When a move and hurricane season overlap, add:
- Inventory list of belongings (digital and printed)
- Moving company contract and insurance details
- Keys for both homes (current and new, if applicable)
- Essential move‑in tools: box cutter, tape, small tool kit
- Portable file folder with closing documents, lease, and utility information
Pet and Special Needs Supplies
- Pet food and water for at least 3 days
- Leash, carrier, litter and pan (for cats), waste bags
- Vaccination and microchip records
- Medical devices, spare glasses, hearing aid batteries
- Specialized diet items, mobility aids, and backup chargers
Planning Safe Hurricane Evacuation Routes
Knowing the roads to take—and the ones to avoid—before a storm hits prevents last‑minute panic. Evacuation routes are often specified by local and state authorities and are designed to handle higher traffic volumes during emergencies.
How to Find Official Evacuation Routes
- Visit your state’s Department of Transportation and emergency management websites.
- Search for “[Your County] hurricane evacuation routes” to access maps and guidance.
- Use navigation apps that display traffic, closures, and live alerts, but never rely on GPS alone—roads can be closed suddenly.
- Request printed evacuation maps if your area offers them, especially helpful if power or cell service fails.
Designing Multiple Route Options
Create at least three route options to your chosen destination(s):
- Primary Route: Main highways and state‑designated evacuation roads.
- Secondary Route: Alternative major roads in case of closures.
- Tertiary Route: A backup plan to a different shelter or city if traffic or conditions make the first two impossible.
Write these routes down and keep them in your car and emergency kit.
Timing Your Evacuation
Leaving at the right time can be as important as the route itself:
- Don’t wait for a mandatory order if you’re in a vulnerable area—voluntary evacuations often start earlier for a reason.
- Plan to leave well before tropical storm‑force winds arrive (often 24–36 hours before landfall).
- Consider traffic: If large cities nearby are evacuating, roads can become gridlocked.
| Decision Point | Guideline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Watch issued | 48 hours out | Fuel vehicles, gather documents, finalize route plans |
| Voluntary evacuation advised | 36–48 hours out | Consider leaving early, especially with kids, pets, or medical needs |
| Mandatory evacuation ordered | 24–36 hours out | Leave immediately; don’t wait for worsening conditions |
Vehicle Prep and Safety on the Road
Before you hit the road:
- Fill your gas tank as early as possible; don’t wait for long lines.
- Check tires, fluids, windshield wipers, and spare tire.
- Load your emergency kit, documents, and valuables into the vehicle first.
- Keep a physical map in the glove compartment in case GPS fails.
- Bring snacks, water, and basic tools for roadside issues.
While traveling:
- Avoid flooded roads—Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Just a few inches of water can disable a car; deeper water can sweep it away.
- Listen to local radio stations for updates and reroutes.
- Stay calm and patient; heavy traffic is expected but manageable with planning.
Protecting Your Home Before Evacuating
Whether you’re staying or leaving, properly securing your home minimizes damage and speeds up recovery after the storm. If you’re moving soon, it’s especially important to protect both your current home and any belongings already in transit or storage.
Exterior Protection Checklist
- Install or deploy storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, planters, and decor—bring them indoors if possible.
- Trim trees and remove dead branches well before storms are forecast.
- Reinforce garage doors if they’re not rated for high winds.
- Clear gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Move vehicles to higher ground or inside a garage if possible.
Interior Protection Steps
- Move valuables and electronics to higher shelves or upstairs.
- Unplug non‑essential appliances to prevent power surge damage.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings; keep doors closed during outages.
- Shut off gas and water if local guidance recommends it.
- Take photos or video of each room for insurance documentation.
If You’re in the Middle of a Move
Storm timing can intersect with moving day, so prepare for both scenarios:
- Delaying the move: Coordinate with your moving company early. Professional movers with hurricane‑season experience can advise on rescheduling, temporary storage, and protection options.
- Items already in transit: Confirm what your moving insurance covers for weather‑related events, and keep all documentation handy.
- Storage units: Ensure your storage facility is in a safe, elevated area and ask whether they have hurricane preparedness measures in place.
If you want hands‑on support planning a safe, flexible move around storms—plus help protecting and transporting your belongings—consider working with experienced professionals like United Local Movers. Having a reliable moving partner can drastically reduce stress during hurricane season.
Hurricane Season Moving Strategies and Best Practices
Relocating during hurricane season isn’t ideal, but it’s often unavoidable due to leases, job changes, or home closings. With extra planning, you can keep your move on track and stay safe.
Schedule Flexibility Into Your Move
- Build a date buffer of several days around your planned move‑out and move‑in.
- Discuss weather contingencies and rescheduling policies with your mover in advance.
- If possible, avoid scheduling the move during peak storm weeks when a named storm is already being tracked.
Pack With Weather in Mind
- Use high‑quality, double‑walled boxes and strong packing tape.
- Place important documents, electronics, and irreplaceable items in waterproof containers or plastic bins.
- Label “ESSENTIALS” boxes with items you’d need if you’re delayed reaching your new home (clothes, toiletries, linens, basic cooking supplies).
- Keep those essentials with you in your personal vehicle instead of on the moving truck if possible.
Coordinate With Your New Location
If you’re moving into a hurricane‑prone region:
- Ask your new landlord, HOA, or neighbors about local evacuation zones and routes.
- Check whether your new home has storm shutters or special hurricane requirements.
- Confirm that utilities will be active when you arrive; hurricane‑related delays can affect service setup.
Staying Safe if You Shelter in Place
Not everyone will be ordered to evacuate. If you’re outside evacuation zones and your home is structurally sound, local officials may recommend sheltering in place.
Choosing the Safest Room
- Pick an interior room on the lowest level, away from windows and exterior doors.
- A hallway, bathroom, or closet can work well.
- Gather your emergency kit, helmets (if available), cushions, and a battery‑powered radio in that space.
During the Storm
- Stay indoors and away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- Do not go outside during the eye of the storm; calm conditions can be misleading and followed by sudden, strong winds from the opposite direction.
- Keep your phone charged and on power‑saving mode; only use it for essential calls and messages.
- Monitor official updates from local authorities and the National Weather Service.
Post‑Storm Recovery: Returning Home and Assessing Damage
Once the storm passes and authorities say it’s safe to return, your focus shifts to damage assessment, documentation, and next steps for living arrangements and your move.
Returning Safely After Evacuation
- Wait for official clearance before reentering evacuated areas.
- Watch for downed power lines, unstable trees, and floodwaters.
- Avoid driving through areas with heavy debris or standing water.
Inspecting Your Property
Do an initial walk‑around before entering your home:
- Look for visible structural damage: leaning walls, sagging rooflines, broken supports.
- Smell for gas; if you detect a leak, leave immediately and contact your utility company.
- Don’t turn on electricity if there’s standing water inside.
Once inside, document damage:
- Take clear photos and videos of each affected area.
- List damaged items with approximate value and purchase dates.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start claims.
Adjusting Your Moving Timeline After a Storm
If a hurricane disrupts your planned move:
- Communicate quickly with your moving company, landlord, or buyers/sellers.
- Discuss temporary housing options if your home is uninhabitable.
- Prioritize safe storage for salvageable belongings while repairs are underway.
Quick Hurricane Season Preparedness Checklist
Use this summary checklist to make sure you’re covered before the next storm threatens, especially if a move is on your calendar.
| Task | Home‑Only | If You’re Moving |
|---|---|---|
| Know your evacuation zone and routes | ✔️ | ✔️ (for current and new locations) |
| Choose primary and backup destinations | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Build or update emergency kit | ✔️ | ✔️ (include moving documents) |
| Secure home exterior and interior | ✔️ | ✔️ (and any storage units) |
| Confirm insurance coverage | Homeowners/renters | Home, renters, and moving/truck insurance |
| Plan flexible move dates | Not applicable | ✔️ |
| Discuss storm policies with movers | Not applicable | ✔️ |
Hurricane season will always bring uncertainty, but it doesn’t have to bring panic. With careful preparation, mapped‑out evacuation routes, and a solid plan for your home and your move, you can protect what matters most and respond with confidence when storms approach. If you’d like expert help navigating a move around hurricane season, United Local Movers can help you plan, pack, and relocate safely with weather‑smart strategies and flexible scheduling options tailored to storm‑prone areas.
