Fillable checklist

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: Home Before Landfall (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable US hurricane-prep form: alerts, kits, evacuate versus stay, shutters, trees, and generator CO rules. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Safety Fillable form · 10 sections · 72 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against Ready.gov, FEMA V-1006, Red Cross, and CPSC · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a US household hurricane-prep walk before landfall: alerts, documents, a go-kit and a stay kit, evacuate versus stay, wind protection (shutters, trees, outdoor objects), generator carbon monoxide rules, and utility shutoff knowledge. It is not a wind-mitigation inspection, not an elevation certificate, and not a federal shutter Pass or Fail. Mark Skip on items you are not doing this pass. Mark N/A on items the house does not need.

  • 10 sections
  • 72 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Household and plan header

Record the house and the people this plan covers. Write the local evacuation zone as a record only. Do not treat a zone letter as Pass or Fail. This is a household prep template, not a wind-mitigation inspection and not an elevation certificate.

12 fields
Household and plan header

Use this count for water and food staging. Ready.gov kit: one gallon of water per person per day for several days. Red Cross kit: the same gallon figure, with a 3-day go-kit and a 2-week stay-at-home supply.

Ready.gov pets: if officials ask you to evacuate, pets evacuate too. Write none if you have no animals, then mark pet lines N/A.

Ready.gov hurricanes and FEMA V-1006: know your evacuation zone. Write the zone name, or write not listed. A zone record is not Pass or Fail. Follow local emergency managers when they issue orders.

Red Cross: know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. FEMA how-to-prepare: write the route and shelter. Name a pet-friendly place if animals go with you.

Ready.gov plan: know how you will contact one another if separated. FEMA V-1006: plan to text or message, because voice calls may fail.

Inspection station

Risk, alerts, and insurance

This station is awareness and signup, not a policy application and not a wind or flood grade. Tick Done when the household finished the line. Do not invent a Pass or Fail from an evacuation zone, a shutter product, or a coverage dollar amount.

9 items
Risk, alerts, and insurance

Household knows hurricanes are not only a coastal problem

Ready.gov hurricanes: rain, wind, water, and tornadoes can happen far inland from landfall. Red Cross: damage can reach places far inland. Start preparing now, not when the cone is over this street.

Household knows hurricanes are not only a coastal problem: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household signed up for community hurricane alerts

Ready.gov hurricanes: download the FEMA app for National Weather Service alerts, sign up for community alerts, and know EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts, which need no signup. Ready.gov alerts: NOAA Weather Radio carries watches and warnings 24 hours a day.

Household signed up for community hurricane alerts: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household can tell a hurricane watch from a hurricane warning

NWS hurricane watches and warnings: a hurricane watch means sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are possible, issued about 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds. A hurricane warning means those winds are expected, issued about 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds. Complete remaining prep during a warning. Evacuate immediately if ordered.

Household can tell a hurricane watch from a hurricane warning: Done, Skip, or N/A

Evacuation zone for this address is known

Ready.gov hurricanes: know your evacuation zone, learn routes, and practice with the household and pets. FEMA V-1006: develop an evacuation plan based on your zone. Write what you found in Header notes. Do not score a zone as Pass or Fail.

Evacuation zone for this address is known: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household knows how to follow NHC and local NWS products

NWS: National Hurricane Center products are at hurricanes.gov, with local Hurricane Local Statements from the Weather Forecast Office. FEMA V-1006: monitor NHC updates. The forecast cone is not a damage boundary. Effects can reach well outside the cone.

Household knows how to follow NHC and local NWS products: Done, Skip, or N/A

Homeowners or renters policy reviewed for wind and hurricane, not only flood

FEMA how-to-prepare: a homeowners policy does not always cover everything a hurricane can do. Check the policy and talk with the agent about wind. This line is a review, not proof that wind coverage is complete, and it is not a wind-mitigation inspection.

Homeowners or renters policy reviewed for wind and hurricane, not only flood: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household knows a standard policy does not cover flood, and a flood policy typically waits 30 days

FEMA six ways, FEMA how-to-prepare, and FEMA V-1006: standard homeowners or renters insurance does not cover flood. Hurricanes bring rain and storm surge. FEMA: most flood policies take 30 days to take effect. This form does not sell a policy and is not an NFIP application.

Household knows a standard policy does not cover flood, and a flood policy typically waits 30 days: Done, Skip, or N/A

Policy numbers and insurer contacts stored where you can reach them after landfall

FEMA six ways: save digital backups of policies and take them if you evacuate. After a storm, FEMA V-1006: document damage with photographs and contact the insurer. Mark N/A if there is no policy yet.

Policy numbers and insurer contacts stored where you can reach them after landfall: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household knows this list is not a wind-mitigation inspection and not an elevation certificate

Ready.gov says consider hurricane shutters. Red Cross says protect windows with shutters or pre-cut plywood. Neither page publishes a federal shutter Pass or Fail for this household form. An elevation certificate is a licensed survey product. Completing this checklist does not create one.

Household knows this list is not a wind-mitigation inspection and not an elevation certificate: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Documents and inventory

Pack copies you can grab. A box you cannot reach after hours is not a go packet.

8 items
Documents and inventory

Paper copies stored in a waterproof, fire-resistant box or a portable waterproof packet

FEMA V-1006: keep important documents in a dry, safe place such as a fireproof and waterproof box, and make password-protected digital copies. FEMA six ways: seal originals in plastic bags and store them upstairs or on a high shelf.

Paper copies stored in a waterproof, fire-resistant box or a portable waterproof packet: Done, Skip, or N/A

Password-protected digital copies stored off-site or in a secure cloud

Ready.gov hurricanes: keep insurance policies and personal documents such as ID up to date, make copies, and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space. FEMA V-1006: the same digital-copy step.

Password-protected digital copies stored off-site or in a secure cloud: Done, Skip, or N/A

ID, passport, and proof-of-address copies packed or stored

Ready.gov kit and Red Cross kit: identification and proof of address. FEMA how-to-prepare checklist: photo ID such as a driver license or passport.

ID, passport, and proof-of-address copies packed or stored: Done, Skip, or N/A

Home, renters, auto, life, and flood policy copies packed or stored

FEMA how-to-prepare: property records include insurance policies, deed, or lease. Include wind and flood pages if you have them. Mark N/A for a policy type you do not carry.

Home, renters, auto, life, and flood policy copies packed or stored: Done, Skip, or N/A

Deed, lease, or mortgage papers copied

Red Cross kit and FEMA how-to-prepare: deed or lease. Take copies if you evacuate.

Deed, lease, or mortgage papers copied: Done, Skip, or N/A

Medication list and key medical records copied

Red Cross kit: medication list and pertinent medical information. Ready.gov plan: customize for medical needs and prescriptions.

Medication list and key medical records copied: Done, Skip, or N/A

Photo or video inventory of rooms and valuables, with written descriptions

FEMA six ways: photograph furniture, appliances, and valuables you would not take if you evacuate, so you can file a claim. This is not an appraisal.

Photo or video inventory of rooms and valuables, with written descriptions: Done, Skip, or N/A

Document packet can be grabbed in minutes if you evacuate

FEMA six ways: if you evacuate, take the documents with you. FEMA V-1006: take critical supplies and documents. A safe-deposit box you cannot open on a weekend is not a grab packet.

Document packet can be grabbed in minutes if you evacuate: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Go-kit and stay-at-home kit

Ready.gov kit is several days of water and food. Red Cross splits a 3-day go-kit from a 2-week stay-at-home kit, and uses one gallon of water per person per day for both. Tick Done for what you actually staged. Do not score one national day-count as Pass or Fail.

13 items
Go-kit and stay-at-home kit

Go-kit packed so you can carry 3 days of supplies if you evacuate

Red Cross hurricane page: a Go-Kit is 3 days of supplies you can carry, including backup batteries and chargers for phones and medical devices. FEMA how-to-prepare: pack a go bag you can grab quickly. Ready.gov kit says several days, not a 3-day federal rule. Write the days you packed.

Go-kit packed so you can carry 3 days of supplies if you evacuate: Done, Skip, or N/A

Stay-at-home supplies staged for a long outage if you are not ordered out

Red Cross hurricane page: a Stay-at-Home Kit is 2 weeks of supplies because stores and pharmacies might be closed. Ready.gov kit: several days. Ready.gov hurricanes: you may not reach supplies for days or even weeks. Do not treat 2 weeks as a federal Pass or Fail. Record what you stored.

Stay-at-home supplies staged for a long outage if you are not ordered out: Done, Skip, or N/A

Drinking water staged at one gallon per person per day

Ready.gov kit and Red Cross kit both use one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Ready.gov says several days. Red Cross: 3 days if you evacuate, 2 weeks if you stay. Include extra water for pets.

Drinking water staged at one gallon per person per day: Done, Skip, or N/A

Non-perishable food and a manual can opener staged

Ready.gov kit: a several-day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener. Red Cross: easy-to-prepare items, 3-day go-kit and 2-week stay-at-home supply. Include dietary needs and infant formula if someone in the house uses them.

Non-perishable food and a manual can opener staged: Done, Skip, or N/A

Battery or hand-crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio if you have one

Ready.gov kit and Red Cross kit: battery-powered or hand-crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert if possible, plus extra batteries. Ready.gov alerts: NWR broadcasts official watches and warnings 24 hours a day.

Battery or hand-crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio if you have one: Done, Skip, or N/A

Flashlight and extra batteries staged (not candles as the main light)

Ready.gov kit and Red Cross kit list a flashlight and extra batteries. CPSC hurricane generator release: use flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of open flame. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended.

Flashlight and extra batteries staged (not candles as the main light): Done, Skip, or N/A

First aid kit staged

Ready.gov kit and Red Cross kit both list a first aid kit. Add household-specific medical items (glasses, hearing-aid batteries, syringes) from the Red Cross extras list if someone uses them.

First aid kit staged: Done, Skip, or N/A

Prescriptions organized and protected for an outage or evacuation

Ready.gov kit: organize and protect prescriptions because pharmacies may close. Red Cross hurricane page: a 1-month supply in a child-proof container. Red Cross kit page: a 7-day supply. FEMA how-to-prepare checklist: medications for at least one week. This form does not pick one day-count as law. Record what you packed.

Prescriptions organized and protected for an outage or evacuation: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cell phone chargers and a backup battery staged

Ready.gov kit: cell phone with chargers and a backup battery. Ready.gov hurricanes: keep the phone charged when a hurricane is in the forecast, and buy backup charging devices. Red Cross: include backup batteries for medical devices such as CPAP or a wheelchair.

Cell phone chargers and a backup battery staged: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cash staged for fuel, food, or a short stay if cards fail

Ready.gov kit and Red Cross kit both list extra cash. ATMs and card readers can fail in an outage. This form does not set a dollar Pass or Fail.

Cash staged for fuel, food, or a short stay if cards fail: Done, Skip, or N/A

Sanitation and hygiene supplies staged

Ready.gov kit: moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties, plus soap or sanitizer. Red Cross kit: sanitation and personal hygiene items. Include infant or incontinence supplies if the house needs them.

Sanitation and hygiene supplies staged: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pet food, water, leash or carrier, and pet-record copies staged

Ready.gov pets: several days of food and water, medicines, leash or carrier, ID, and copies of registration. Red Cross kit: collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, and bowl. Mark N/A if there are no animals.

Pet food, water, leash or carrier, and pet-record copies staged: Done, Skip, or N/A

Kit location is known, and expired food, water, or batteries were replaced

Ready.gov kit: keep the home kit in a designated place, and make sure everyone knows where it is. Replace expired items and rethink the kit as needs change. Put a lightweight go-kit where you can grab it.

Kit location is known, and expired food, water, or batteries were replaced: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Evacuate versus stay

Write both plans. Local orders override a preference to stay. Tick Done when people can say where they would go and where they would shelter.

9 items
Evacuate versus stay

Household has a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter in place

FEMA V-1006: make a plan to evacuate AND be ready to shelter in place. Red Cross: determine your best protection from high winds and flooding, and have both plans. If officials order you out, leave. A stay plan is not permission to ignore an order.

Household has a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter in place: Done, Skip, or N/A

Where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay are written

Red Cross: know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you need help leaving or use public transportation. FEMA six ways: check the town or county site for zone, routes, and designated shelters.

Where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay are written: Done, Skip, or N/A

Primary and backup evacuation routes known, with no planned shortcuts

Ready.gov hurricanes: learn evacuation routes and practice. Red Cross and FEMA how-to-prepare: follow posted routes and do not take shortcuts, which may be blocked. FEMA V-1006: do not drive around barricades.

Primary and backup evacuation routes known, with no planned shortcuts: Done, Skip, or N/A

If this is a mobile, manufactured, or RV dwelling, the plan is to leave for a sturdy building

Red Cross: mobile, manufactured, trailer homes, and RVs cannot provide safe shelter from tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds. FEMA V-1006: get inside a safe shelter or sturdy building if you are in a manufactured or mobile home or a temporary structure. Mark N/A on a site-built house that is not in that category.

If this is a mobile, manufactured, or RV dwelling, the plan is to leave for a sturdy building: Done, Skip, or N/A

Interior wind-shelter room practiced: small, windowless, lowest level that is not likely to flood

Red Cross: practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. Next best is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not likely to flood. FEMA V-1006: FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or that interior room. Stay away from glass.

Interior wind-shelter room practiced: small, windowless, lowest level that is not likely to flood: Done, Skip, or N/A

Nearby higher-ground place named if flooding is the threat while you stay

Red Cross: if the area is likely to flood, designate higher ground you can move to before floodwaters reach you. FEMA how-to-prepare: if you are on the coast, a floodplain, a river, or an island waterway and there is no evacuation notice, move to higher ground before water arrives.

Nearby higher-ground place named if flooding is the threat while you stay: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pets are in the evacuation plan and will not be left behind

Ready.gov pets: if local officials ask you to evacuate, pets evacuate too. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets, so name a safe place in advance. Include a buddy who can move pets if you are away.

Pets are in the evacuation plan and will not be left behind: Done, Skip, or N/A

Medications, devices, and access needs listed in both the go plan and the stay plan

Ready.gov plan: customize for medical needs, prescriptions, equipment, disabilities, and access needs. Red Cross: plan how you will use powered medical equipment, and learn generator safety if a device needs power. Ready.gov hurricanes: identify whether anyone needs additional help.

Medications, devices, and access needs listed in both the go plan and the stay plan: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household practiced the evacuation grab-and-go and the interior-room shelter steps

Ready.gov plan: practice your plan. FEMA V-1006: practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, and practice the evacuation route. A paper plan no one has walked is not finished.

Household practiced the evacuation grab-and-go and the interior-room shelter steps: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Wind, shutters, trees, and yard

These are household wind-prep steps, not a wind-mitigation inspection and not a federal shutter rating. Tick Done when the work or the written plan is real. Do not invent a shutter Pass or Fail.

9 items
Wind, shutters, trees, and yard

Windows have a protection method: shutters, pre-cut plywood, or existing impact glazing

Ready.gov hurricanes: consider hurricane shutters. Red Cross: protect windows with permanent storm shutters or pre-cut plywood. FEMA V-1006: install hurricane shutters or reinforce windows. This form does not invent a plywood thickness, fastener schedule, or product rating as Pass or Fail. Mark N/A if a renter cannot alter openings and has a stay-elsewhere plan.

Windows have a protection method: shutters, pre-cut plywood, or existing impact glazing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household will not tape windows as wind protection

FEMA six ways: do not tape windows. Tape will not keep glass from shattering. It can make the shards larger and more dangerous. FEMA how-to-prepare myth and fact: hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows are far more effective than tape.

Household will not tape windows as wind protection: Done, Skip, or N/A

Plan to bring outdoor furniture, trash cans, bikes, and toys inside

Ready.gov hurricanes: bring in outside furniture. FEMA six ways and Red Cross: hurricane-force winds turn unsecured objects into projectiles. Lawn furniture, trash cans, and bikes come inside. Do this before tropical-storm-force winds make the yard unsafe.

Plan to bring outdoor furniture, trash cans, bikes, and toys inside: Done, Skip, or N/A

Gas grills and propane tanks will be anchored, not left loose in the yard

Red Cross and FEMA how-to-prepare: anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks. FEMA six ways: secure barbeques or gas canisters. This is not a tank-installation inspection.

Gas grills and propane tanks will be anchored, not left loose in the yard: Done, Skip, or N/A

Trees close enough to fall on the house were reviewed, trimmed, or scheduled

FEMA six ways: pick up yard waste and trim or remove trees that could fall onto the house. Red Cross: trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home. Hire a professional if the work is near power lines or above your skill. This line is not an arborist report.

Trees close enough to fall on the house were reviewed, trimmed, or scheduled: Done, Skip, or N/A

Drains, gutters, and downspouts cleared

Ready.gov hurricanes: de-clutter drains and gutters. FEMA six ways, FEMA V-1006, and Red Cross: the same, so rain can drain instead of pooling. Do this from the ground or a stable ladder you are trained to use.

Drains, gutters, and downspouts cleared: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor fuel tanks will be anchored so floodwater or wind cannot pick them up

FEMA six ways: anchor fuel tanks so they do not get picked up by floodwaters. FEMA how-to-prepare: the same. Mark N/A if there is no outdoor fuel tank.

Outdoor fuel tanks will be anchored so floodwater or wind cannot pick them up: Done, Skip, or N/A

If evacuating: unplug small appliances, leave fridge and freezer plugged in, lock up, close shutters

FEMA six ways: bring loose outdoor items inside, secure what cannot come in, unplug radios, televisions, and small appliances, leave the refrigerator and freezer plugged in, lock doors and windows, and close hurricane shutters if you have them. Shut utilities only if officials say to, or if you suspect damaged lines.

If evacuating: unplug small appliances, leave fridge and freezer plugged in, lock up, close shutters: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household knows this wind list is not a wind-mitigation inspection

A wind-mitigation inspection is a licensed or program-specific survey used with some insurance discounts. Completing these household steps does not create that report, does not rate shutters, and does not replace an elevation certificate.

Household knows this wind list is not a wind-mitigation inspection: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Generator and carbon monoxide

CPSC, Ready.gov power outages, and FEMA V-1006 agree on outdoor use and a 20-foot standoff from openings. Mark N/A on generator hardware lines if this house will not run a portable generator. Keep alarm and charcoal lines either way.

8 items
Generator and carbon monoxide

Household will never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage, basement, crawlspace, or shed

CPSC: never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, sheds, or other enclosed areas, even if doors or windows are open. Opening doors does not ventilate lethal carbon monoxide. FEMA how-to-prepare: never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or charcoal device inside or in any partially enclosed area. Mark N/A if there is no generator.

Household will never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage, basement, crawlspace, or shed: Done, Skip, or N/A

If used, the generator will sit outdoors at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust away from openings

CPSC: operate generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes and buildings, exhaust directed away from windows, doors, and vents. Ready.gov power outages: at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages. FEMA V-1006: at least 20 feet from windows, doors, or garages. Cross-checked. Mark N/A if there is no generator.

If used, the generator will sit outdoors at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust away from openings: Done, Skip, or N/A

Placement plan keeps the unit off porches and out of carports, and dry in wet weather

Ready.gov power outages: keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator can shock you. CPSC: follow manufacturer instructions to reduce shock hazards during wet weather. Do not treat a porch or carport as outdoors-enough. Mark N/A if there is no generator.

Placement plan keeps the unit off porches and out of carports, and dry in wet weather: Done, Skip, or N/A

Heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords are staged if appliances will plug into a generator

Ready.gov power outages: always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords. Let the generator cool before refueling. Follow the manufacturer. This form does not size a transfer switch. Mark N/A if there is no generator.

Heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords are staged if appliances will plug into a generator: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household will never use charcoal indoors, including in a garage with the door open

CPSC: never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal carbon monoxide. Do not cook on a charcoal grill in a garage, even with the garage door open. Red Cross: gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper, or outside near an open window.

Household will never use charcoal indoors, including in a garage with the door open: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household will not use a gas stove or oven to heat the house

Ready.gov power outages: do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. It raises carbon monoxide risk and fire risk. Use the generator rules above, or go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.

Household will not use a gas stove or oven to heat the house: Done, Skip, or N/A

Working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms on every level, outside sleeping areas, batteries tested

CPSC: install working CO and smoke alarms (battery-operated or with battery backup) on every level and outside sleeping areas. Put smoke alarms inside each bedroom. Test monthly. Interconnected alarms are best. Ready.gov power outages: CO detectors with battery backup on every level. Never ignore an alarm. Get outside, then call 911.

Working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms on every level, outside sleeping areas, batteries tested: Done, Skip, or N/A

Generator manual reviewed before the outage, including wet-weather and refuel steps

CPSC: regularly check and maintain generators. Read labels, instructions, and the owner's manual before the storm. Ready.gov power outages: follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Mark N/A if there is no generator.

Generator manual reviewed before the outage, including wet-weather and refuel steps: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Utility shutoff knowledge

Learn the valves and the panel on a dry day. Do not actually turn the gas off when you practice. Shut utilities during a storm only if officials instruct you or you suspect damaged lines.

8 items
Utility shutoff knowledge

Electrical panel and main disconnect located and reachable

Ready.gov safety-skills: locate the electrical circuit box and teach responsible household members how to shut off electricity. Do this while the house is dry and you can see the labels.

Electrical panel and main disconnect located and reachable: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household knows to shut individual circuits before the main

Ready.gov safety-skills: for safety, always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit. Ready.gov hurricanes after a storm: do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.

Household knows to shut individual circuits before the main: Done, Skip, or N/A

Main house water shutoff found, tagged, and confirmed it will close

Ready.gov safety-skills: find the shutoff valve for the main water line that enters the house, tag it, and make sure it will close. That is the house valve, not the street curb box, which needs a special tool.

Main house water shutoff found, tagged, and confirmed it will close: Done, Skip, or N/A

Gas shutoff procedure learned from the gas company for this meter

Ready.gov safety-skills: call the gas company. Meter configurations differ. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing, get everyone out and call from outside. CPSC: if you smell or hear gas leaking, leave immediately and do not operate electronics before leaving.

Gas shutoff procedure learned from the gas company for this meter: Done, Skip, or N/A

Practice did not actually turn the gas off

Ready.gov safety-skills: do not actually turn off the gas when practicing. If gas is shut off for any reason, only a qualified professional can turn it back on. Never restore it yourself. Mark N/A on an all-electric house.

Practice did not actually turn the gas off: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household knows when it would shut utilities, and when it would not

FEMA six ways: if local officials say to do so, shut off water, gas, and electricity. Ready.gov hurricanes after a storm: if it is safe, turn off electricity at the main breaker to prevent shock. Do not shut gas without the company procedure. Do not stand in water to reach a panel.

Household knows when it would shut utilities, and when it would not: Done, Skip, or N/A

Plan is to leave the refrigerator and freezer plugged in if you evacuate, and keep doors closed in an outage

FEMA six ways: leave the refrigerator and freezer plugged in when you leave. Ready.gov power outages: keep freezers and refrigerators closed. This form does not invent a federal hour Pass or Fail for food. Follow local or FDA food-safety advice after the outage.

Plan is to leave the refrigerator and freezer plugged in if you evacuate, and keep doors closed in an outage: Done, Skip, or N/A

Shutoff tool is at the valve or in the kit

Ready.gov kit: wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Keep the tool where you can find it in the dark. How to use it sits on this station. Mark N/A if the house has no gas valve to turn.

Shutoff tool is at the valve or in the kit: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

When a watch or warning is issued

These are actions you agree to take before landfall. Tick Done when the household has walked through the line, not only when a warning is on the radio right now.

8 items
When a watch or warning is issued

Household will follow EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local officials first

Ready.gov hurricanes: pay attention to emergency information and alerts. NWS: listen closely to local officials. FEMA V-1006: follow instructions from local authorities. Do not substitute social media for official orders.

Household will follow EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local officials first: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household will evacuate when ordered, and will not drive around barricades

Ready.gov hurricanes: if you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately. FEMA V-1006 and Red Cross: grab the go-kit and go. Follow evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts. Do not drive around barricades.

Household will evacuate when ordered, and will not drive around barricades: Done, Skip, or N/A

During a hurricane warning, remaining outdoor prep will be finished, then people will get inside or leave

NWS: a hurricane warning means complete all preparations. Evacuate immediately if ordered. FEMA how-to-prepare: a warning means the storm is expected within about 36 hours. Finish shutters, bring objects in, then shelter or go. Do not stay in the yard once tropical-storm-force winds arrive.

During a hurricane warning, remaining outdoor prep will be finished, then people will get inside or leave: Done, Skip, or N/A

If staying, people will take shelter in the interior room or storm shelter and stay away from glass

Ready.gov hurricanes: take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds. Red Cross: stay away from glass windows and doors. FEMA V-1006: if you do not evacuate, take shelter indoors and stay away from windows and doors.

If staying, people will take shelter in the interior room or storm shelter and stay away from glass: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household will not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater

Ready.gov hurricanes and FEMA V-1006: Turn Around, Don't Drown. Both say about 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and about 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Cross-checked. FEMA V-1006: do not drive during a hurricane. Wind can overturn vehicles.

Household will not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater: Done, Skip, or N/A

If trapped by flooding, go to the highest safe level, not a closed attic

Ready.gov hurricanes and FEMA V-1006: go to the highest level if trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. Rising water can trap you there.

If trapped by flooding, go to the highest safe level, not a closed attic: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pets come indoors at the first watch or warning

Ready.gov pets: always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Mark N/A if there are no pets.

Pets come indoors at the first watch or warning: Done, Skip, or N/A

If a generator is used later, it stays outdoors at least 20 feet from openings

FEMA V-1006, Ready.gov power outages, and CPSC: outdoor use only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, or garages. Red Cross: if you feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away. Mark N/A if there is no generator.

If a generator is used later, it stays outdoors at least 20 feet from openings: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Review and sign-off

Write what is still open, set a review date, then sign. This worksheet is not a wind-mitigation inspection, not an elevation certificate, not a federal shutter rating, and not a substitute for local emergency-management orders.

8 fields
Review and sign-off

Red Cross and FEMA V-1006: name the small interior windowless room, or write FEMA safe room or ICC 500 shelter if you have one.

Ready.gov kit: rethink the kit every year as needs change. Review sooner at the start of Atlantic hurricane season (June 1) or Eastern Pacific season (May 15).

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

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References

  1. Hurricanes - Ready.gov
  2. Six Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane - FEMA
  3. Be Prepared for a Hurricane, FEMA V-1006 - Ready.gov
  4. How to Prepare for a Hurricane - FEMA / Ready.gov
  5. Hurricane Preparedness - American Red Cross
  6. Survival Kit Supplies - American Red Cross
  7. Build A Kit - Ready.gov
  8. Make A Plan - Ready.gov
  9. Prepare Your Pets for Disasters - Ready.gov
  10. Safety Skills: gas, water, and electric shutoff - Ready.gov
  11. Emergency Alerts - Ready.gov
  12. Power Outages and generator safety - Ready.gov
  13. Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings - National Weather Service
  14. CPSC Warns of Generator, Carbon Monoxide and Fire Hazards Ahead of Hurricane Season - CPSC

Printable checklist PDF and image

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.