When the Order Comes, You Have Minutes — Not Hours
A mandatory evacuation order sounds like something you'll have time to prepare for. You won't. When a Category 3 or higher storm locks its eye on your coastline, local officials can issue mandatory evacuation orders with as little as 12 to 18 hours of notice. Roads jam. Gas stations run dry. Stores close.
The single most important thing you can do before hurricane season begins is build and store a 72-hour go-bag — a pre-packed bag that contains everything your household needs to survive for three days without access to stores, power, or clean water.
FEMA recommends all Americans in hurricane-prone areas maintain a 72-hour emergency kit ready to grab at all times. Do not wait until a storm is named to start packing.
The Core Go-Bag List (Every Household)
Water — Non-Negotiable
Pack one gallon of water per person per day, for a minimum of three days. For a family of four, that's 12 gallons. For pets, add an additional half-gallon per medium dog per day. Store water in BPA-free sealed containers and rotate your supply every six months. Pack a portable water filter (LifeStraw or Sawyer Squeeze) as a backup, along with purification tablets.
Food — Calorie-Dense and No-Cook
Choose foods that require no refrigeration, minimal preparation, and can be eaten at room temperature. Plan for 2,000–2,500 calories per adult per day. Ready-to-eat canned goods, peanut butter, protein bars, crackers, granola, and dried fruit are all excellent choices. Pack a manual can opener — it is the most commonly forgotten item in any go-bag.
Documents and Identification
Keep waterproof copies of your most critical documents in a sealed zip-lock bag. Include government-issued photo ID for every household member, Social Security cards, insurance policies (home, renters, health, auto, flood), birth certificates, passports, mortgage or lease documents, immunization records, and a written contact list. Critically: pack cash in small bills — ATMs will be down after the storm.
First Aid and Medications
A basic first aid kit isn't enough. Plan for pharmacies being closed for days. Pack a 7–14 day supply of all prescription medications (request a 90-day supply from your doctor before season), over-the-counter medications, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a thermometer. Include a written list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors.
Communication and Power
Pack a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio, portable phone chargers (10,000mAh+ power banks), USB charging cables for every device, flashlights with extra batteries, headlamps for hands-free lighting, and a waterproof emergency whistle.
Special Considerations by Household Type
| Household Type | Critical Additional Items |
|---|---|
| Infants | Formula (1-week supply), diapers, wipes, comfort items, children's medications |
| Seniors / Medical Needs | Medical device chargers, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, CPAP battery backup, Special Needs Registry enrollment |
| Pet Owners | 3-day pet food supply, collapsible bowls, vaccination records, leash/carrier, comfort items |
| All Households | Physical cash, printed state map, sunscreen, insect repellent, N95 masks, duct tape, multi-tool |
The Items Most People Forget
Physical cash in small bills is the single most overlooked item — ATMs and card readers fail after storms. A physical map of your state and evacuation routes is equally critical since GPS may not work. Other commonly forgotten items include extra glasses or contact lens supplies, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen and insect repellent (post-storm conditions are brutal), and N95 masks for debris and air quality after the storm.
How to Organize and Store Your Go-Bag
Use a durable, water-resistant backpack that every adult in the household can physically carry. Store it in an easily accessible location — near the front door, in a hallway closet, or in a bedroom. Label it clearly with bright tape marked 'GO-BAG' so any household member can grab it in a rush. Revisit and refresh the contents every May 1 and November 30.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for June 1 every year: 'Check go-bag water and food expiration dates.' This one habit can save your life.
Use our free Prep Checklist Builder to generate a quantity-calculated checklist based on your specific household. Sign up for free storm alerts so you know when to grab your bag and go.