Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Storm Arrives

When a hurricane is on the horizon, most people rush to grab bottled water, flashlights, and plywood. Those are smart steps—but real preparedness goes beyond storm supplies. Protecting your finances and your family’s future is just as important as protecting your home.

Here are five simple ways to get ready this hurricane season.

1. Keep Your Car Ready

Your car isn’t just transportation—it’s a financial asset and a lifeline if you need to evacuate. Schedule routine maintenance before storm season, make sure your insurance covers storm damage, and try to keep your tank at least half full. That way, you won’t be scrambling when everyone else is lined up at the pump.

2. Safeguard Important Documents

Paperwork might not be the first thing on your mind during a storm, but it can make a world of difference afterward. Gather essentials like insurance policies, IDs, bank information, wills, and medical records. Store originals in a waterproof safe, and keep digital copies backed up securely in the cloud. Quick access to these documents helps you recover faster and avoid delays with insurance or financial institutions.

3. Make a Quick Home Inventory

One of the best ways to protect your financial assets is to have proof of what you own. Walk through your home with your phone and record a quick video of your belongings—mention brands, models, and conditions as you go. Save the video in the cloud or share a copy with a trusted family member. If you ever need to file a claim, you’ll be glad you did.

4. Review Your Insurance & Finances

Hurricane season is a great reminder to double-check your coverage. Review your homeowner’s insurance to confirm storm and wind damage are included, and remember that flood insurance is separate. Take a look at your emergency fund, too—having 3–6 months of expenses set aside can help with unexpected costs. And keep a little cash on hand, since ATMs and card systems don’t always work right after a storm.

5. Have a Go-Bag Ready

One of the simplest ways to avoid the stress of last-minute shopping is to prepare a go-bag ahead of time. Stock it with basics like water, snacks, medications, a flashlight, and a small first aid kit. Don’t forget financial essentials as well—cash, copies of IDs, and your insurance information. Keeping this bag in an easy-to-grab spot during hurricane season ensures you won’t be caught in long lines at the store and gives you peace of mind that your family has what it needs if you have to leave quickly.

Hurricane season doesn’t have to bring panic. With a little preparation now, you’ll have the confidence that your home, family, and finances are protected—no matter what the storm brings.