Are you ready to take the updated guidance from officials and make a stronger plan for the 2025 hurricane season?
Officials Share New Hurricane Preparedness Information Ahead of Season
Officials are releasing clearer, more actionable hurricane preparedness guidance this season to help you protect yourself, your family, and your property. This article breaks down what’s new, what remains critically important, and the specific steps you can take before, during, and after a storm.
Why these updates matter to you
You rely on accurate forecasts, timely alerts, and practical advice to make life-saving decisions during a hurricane threat. This year’s guidance reflects improvements in forecasting, a sharper focus on storm surge and compound flooding, changes to evacuation planning, and updated recommendations for household readiness. Knowing what’s changed helps you plan smarter and act sooner.
What officials are emphasizing this season
Officials want you to understand a few core themes that shape the new guidance. You’ll see more emphasis on storm surge and flooding risk, better communications and alerting systems, clearer evacuation support, and practical household preparedness steps that reflect longer disruption scenarios.
- Storm surge and flood risk are a top priority.
- Forecasts and model tools will provide earlier, more detailed outlooks.
- Evacuation guidance is becoming more dynamic and community-specific.
- Communications systems (alerts, social channels) are being expanded and standardized.
- Household and community resilience measures are being promoted before storms arrive.
Improved forecasting and what it means for you
Officials are sharing information about advances in forecasting tools that give you more lead time and better detail about potential impacts. Those advances include higher-resolution models, more reliable intensity forecasts, and improved rapid-intensification guidance.
You should expect earlier, more certain track and intensity guidance in many cases, which can give you extra time to prepare or evacuate. However, officials still stress that you must act on local warnings and evacuation orders when they are issued — models improve lead time, but uncertainty remains.
What the improved forecasting tools can do for you
Officials are increasingly using ensemble modeling and probabilistic products to show a range of possible outcomes rather than a single deterministic forecast. That helps you understand not just the most likely path, but the breadth of possible impacts, especially for storm surge and rainfall.
Officials recommend you use probabilistic maps and outreach materials to make household decisions, especially when you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Storm surge and compound flooding: the new focus
Officials are making storm surge and compound flooding (the combination of storm surge and heavy rainfall) a core focus this season. These phenomena cause most hurricane-related fatalities and catastrophic damage.
You should pay attention to storm surge forecasts and inundation maps even if wind forecasts look less severe. Surge and heavy rain can produce rapid and unexpected flooding.
New tools and messages regarding surge and flooding
Officials are distributing updated inundation maps and probabilistic surge products that show likely water depths and the probability of different flood levels. These tools help you identify if your home, roadways, or evacuation routes might be inundated before a storm arrives.
Expect more messages that explicitly explain surge risk in plain language — for example, how deep water could get at your address and which roads are likely to be impassable.
Updated evacuation guidance and routes
Officials are redesigning evacuation messaging to be more targeted and easier for you to act on. This includes clearer evacuation zone maps, real-time status of evacuation routes, and more consistent instructions for sheltering options.
If you live in an evacuation zone, you should make an evacuation plan now and prepare to leave when local officials order mandatory evacuations. Officials are also improving the coordination of transportation and shelters for people without private vehicles.
What to expect from evacuation planning
- Dynamic evacuation zones that reflect storm surge and flooding forecasts.
- Real-time signage and traffic management to help you use the safest routes.
- Expanded coordination for those with disabilities, limited mobility, or no access to transport.
- Increased emphasis on leaving early when storms are trending toward your area, rather than waiting until the last minute.
Communications and emergency alert improvements
Officials are expanding how they send life-saving alerts to you. New emphasis is being placed on layered communications — combining Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), local emergency management push notifications, NOAA Weather Radio, social media verification, and community sirens where applicable.
You should sign up for local emergency notifications, make sure you know how WEA messages display on your devices, and follow official accounts for real-time updates.
How officials want you to receive information
Officials encourage you to rely on verified sources only and to set up multiple ways to receive alerts. They are standardizing message language so you can quickly know if action is required and what that action should be.
Shelter availability and special services
This season officials are sharing clearer information about shelters, including which shelters accept pets, which are equipped with medical support, and how to find accessible options. They are also working to pre-register people who need transportation or special assistance.
You should find out where nearby shelters are located, whether they will accept pets, and what documentation you should bring. If you require medical equipment or electricity, registering with local emergency services ahead of time can help.
Household preparedness: updated kit and checklist
Officials are advising that household emergency kits account for longer recovery times. While many official minimums still suggest a 72-hour kit, you should consider preparing for seven days or more if you live in a high-impact area.
Below is a detailed table of recommended items and why they matter, so you can assemble a tailored kit.
| Item | Quantity/Guidance | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1 gallon per person per day for at least 7 days | Hydration, sanitation, basic hygiene |
| Nonperishable food | 7–14 days per person, ready-to-eat | Stores may be closed; power outages prevent cooking |
| Manual can opener | 1 | Necessary if food is canned and power is out |
| Battery-powered / hand-crank radio | 1 | Get official updates when power/internet is down |
| Flashlights | 1 per person + spare batteries | Safe movement in the dark; signal for help |
| Extra batteries | Assorted sizes | For radios, flashlights, medical devices |
| First-aid kit | 1 — fully stocked | Treat minor injuries when help is delayed |
| Prescription medications | At least 7–30 days supply; original containers | Some pharmacies may be closed; proof for refills |
| Copies of important documents | Waterproof container or digital cloud backup | IDs, insurance, medical records for recovery/claims |
| Cash | Several hundred dollars in small bills | ATMs and card readers may be offline |
| Multi-tool / pocket knife | 1 | Practical repairs and utility tasks |
| Portable phone charger / power bank | Multiple, fully charged | Maintain communication |
| Fuel for generators | According to local regulations, stored safely | Power for essential appliances (follow safety rules) |
| Infant / special-needs supplies | As needed | Formula, diapers, medical supplies |
| Personal hygiene items | Several weeks’ supply | Comfort and sanitation |
| Masks & hand sanitizer | Several supplies | Protect against contaminants during cleanup |
| Pet supplies | 7–14 days of food, med, carrier | Pets are family; many shelters have limits |
| Local maps | Hard copy maps of evacuation routes | Digital devices may fail or lose service |
| Waterproof tarp, duct tape | 1–2 rolls/tarps | Temporary roof/structure repairs |
| Work gloves & sturdy shoes | 1 pair per person | Cleanup and safety tasks |
| Small tool kit | Basic tools | Minor repairs post-storm |
| Whistle | 1 per person | Signal for help if trapped |
| Sleeping bag / blankets | 1 per person | Warmth in shelters or damaged homes |
Officials recommend customizing this list for your special needs, family composition, pets, and medical conditions.
Home hardening and mitigation measures you can take now
Officials are sharing more practical measures you can take to reduce damage, such as securing roof attachments, installing hurricane straps, reinforcing garage doors, and elevating utilities like HVAC systems and electrical panels.
You should start home-hardening tasks well before the season — some retrofits take time, require permits, or are subject to supply and contractor availability.
Prioritized mitigation actions
- Secure or reinforce garage doors and windows.
- Install or prepare shutters for all exposed windows and glass doors.
- Secure roof attachments and check for loose shingles.
- Elevate electrical panels, HVAC systems, water heaters, and critical utilities above expected surge heights when possible.
- Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to reduce localized flooding.
- Remove or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and loose items that become projectiles.
- Trim trees and remove dead limbs that could fall on structures or vehicles.
Power, generators, and fuel safety
Officials are warning about the increased use of portable generators and battery systems and emphasizing safety to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. They stress proper placement, ventilation, and electrical connections.
You should operate generators outdoors and away from windows, never connect them directly to household wiring without a transfer switch, and store fuel safely and legally.
Generator safety checklist
- Run generators at least 20 feet away from doors and windows.
- Use CO detectors in your home.
- Never run generators in attached garages, basements, or enclosed spaces.
- Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords in good condition.
- Install a manual or automatic transfer switch to power household circuits safely.
- Store fuel in approved containers in well-ventilated outdoor areas, away from living spaces.
Insurance, documentation, and financial preparedness
Officials are urging you to review insurance policies well before a storm and to consider separate flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area. Flood damage is typically not covered under standard homeowners’ policies.
You should take photos or video of your property for insurance claims, back up important documents digitally, and know how to file a claim quickly after an event.
Insurance actions to take now
- Review homeowners and auto policies to understand wind vs flood coverage.
- Check deductibles and whether they are wind/hurricane-specific.
- Consider National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage and private flood options; note there’s often a 30-day waiting period.
- Collect and digitize property inventory (photos, receipts).
- Know local insurance agent and company contact details for fast claims filing.
Special populations: seniors, people with disabilities, and pets
Officials are expanding outreach and services for people with access and functional needs, including mobile medical shelter options and better registration for transportation assistance.
You should create a care plan that includes your medical needs, assistive devices, medication lists, and emergency contacts. Pre-register for assistance if you anticipate needing help during evacuation.
Pet preparedness guidance
- Prepare a pet kit with food, medications, ID tags, carrier/crate, leash, and current vaccination records.
- Confirm pet policies at local shelters; many jurisdictions now offer pet-friendly shelters, but space is limited.
- Microchip your pet and keep registration details up to date for faster reunification.
Business preparedness and continuity
Officials are also distributing updated guidance for businesses, emphasizing continuity planning, secure documentation, data backups, and workforce safety.
You should create a simple continuity plan that prioritizes preserving life-safety, protecting critical assets, backing up data off-site, and maintaining communication with staff and customers.
Business-specific recommendations
- Maintain off-site backups of critical data and cloud-based access where possible.
- Document essential functions and cross-train staff.
- Keep an operations continuity checklist for restarting services after a storm.
- Work with suppliers and customers to agree on contingency plans.
Community actions and what officials will do for you
Officials are providing clearer information on what services will be available before and after a storm. Expect preemptive evacuations, staged shelter openings, and pre-positioned response teams for search and rescue and power restoration.
You should check local emergency management websites and sign up for alerts to get exact details for your community about shelters, road closures, and resource distribution.
How to make an evacuation decision and plan
Officials are asking you to prepare a personal evacuation plan tied to your risk level and local evacuation zones. Leaving early can help you avoid traffic congestion and last-minute hazards.
Use this decision matrix to guide your thinking and planning.
| Condition | Action to take |
|---|---|
| You live in a designated evacuation zone or coastal low-lying area | Prepare to evacuate immediately when told; know your route and shelter choices |
| Storm surge probability high near your location | Evacuate if local officials advise mandatory or recommended evacuations |
| Heavy rainfall and inland flooding forecast for your area | Consider evacuating if you are in a floodplain or low-lying neighborhood |
| You have limited mobility or special medical needs | Pre-register for transport and shelter services; arrange assistance now |
| Evacuation infrastructure looks impacted (bridges, roads at risk) | Leave earlier than official deadlines to avoid blocked routes |
Officials insist that “waiting for the last possible moment” is risky — roads may become impassable, and it may be unsafe to remain.
Steps to build your evacuation plan
- Identify multiple evacuation routes using local maps (electronic and hardcopy).
- Pick destinations: friends/family outside the danger area, pet-friendly hotels, or official shelters.
- Arrange transportation: family, public buses, community evacuation services.
- Prepare an evacuation kit in a grab-and-go bag.
- Keep your vehicle fueled and ready well before a storm approaches.
- Notify an out-of-area contact with your plans and check in once you relocate.
After the storm: immediate safety and recovery guidance
Officials provide specific dos and don’ts for the immediate post-storm period to keep you safe and speed recovery. You should avoid returning to dangerous areas until authorities say it’s safe.
Post-storm hazards include contaminated water, downed power lines, unstable structures, gas leaks, and displaced wildlife. Use official channels for safety updates and assistance.
First actions once you return or are allowed to return
- Check for injuries and get medical help if needed.
- Avoid standing water; it can hide electrical hazards and sharp debris.
- Inspect for structural damage carefully; if the building is unsafe, do not enter.
- Photograph damage for insurance claims before making repairs.
- If you smell gas, leave the area and contact the utility company.
- Use caution with generators and electrical repairs; hire licensed professionals for major work.
Recovery resources and how to access help
Officials are sharing more on how to get help after a storm — from FEMA assistance to local disaster relief centers. Make sure your documentation is ready to support any applications for aid.
You should register with FEMA if you experience significant damage, and use the FEMA app or official website to track claim status and find recovery centers.
Common recovery resources
- FEMA disaster assistance (grants, temporary housing, loans)
- Small Business Administration (disaster loans)
- Community organizations and volunteer groups for cleanup assistance
- Local government resources for debris removal and reopening of roads
Where to get verified information during the season
Officials emphasize using official and verified channels to avoid misinformation. Below is a short table of trusted sources and why you should use them.
| Source | Why use it |
|---|---|
| National Hurricane Center (NHC) | Official forecasts, cones, track and intensity guidance |
| National Weather Service (NWS) local offices | Local watches, warnings, and impact statements |
| NOAA Weather Radio | 24/7 official weather and emergency alerts (battery-powered radios work when power is out) |
| Local emergency management office | Evacuation orders, shelters, and community-specific guidance |
| FEMA.gov and FEMA App | Disaster assistance info and registration |
| County or city emergency alert sign-up | Local push notifications and targeted messages |
| Red Cross | Shelter locations and disaster relief resources |
| Verified local government social media accounts | Real-time updates; official corrections to rumors |
Officials urge you to confirm information from at least two official sources before acting.
Preparedness timeline: what to do and when
Officials recommend a preparedness timeline you can follow as the season approaches and when a storm is forecasted to affect you. Use this timeline to stage actions so you don’t get overwhelmed.
| Timeframe | Key actions |
|---|---|
| Pre-season (months before) | Review insurance, assemble/refresh emergency kit, inventory property, plan evacuation routes |
| 30–14 days before a likely active season | Check and service storm shutters, secure outdoor items, update documents and prescriptions |
| 7–3 days before expected impact | Refill fuel, charge power banks, fill prescriptions, finalize evacuation plans, confirm shelter options |
| 72–48 hours out | Make final home preparations, locate important documents and kits, leave early if you are in a high-risk zone |
| 48–0 hours out | Follow official orders; if you must stay, move to a safe interior room above flood level and prepare for power loss |
| Immediately after | Follow official re-entry guidance, document damage, contact insurers, seek official aid if needed |
Officials stress that the earlier you act during a forecast, the safer and less stressful your experience will be.
Practical tips officials are repeating this season
Officials are repeating several practical tips to reduce risk and improve outcomes:
- Treat storm surge warnings as the most immediate life-threatening hazard.
- Act on mandatory evacuation orders promptly; waiting increases risk.
- Verify rumors and get information from official sources.
- Secure important documents and backups in a waterproof location.
- Learn community shelter and evacuation procedures well before storms threaten.
- Take steps now to make your home more resilient; contractors and materials are in high demand close to storms.
Final steps you can take today
You don’t have to wait to act. Officials recommend these immediate steps you can do right now:
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and test NOAA Weather Radio.
- Assemble or update your emergency kit with at least seven days of supplies.
- Review and, if needed, buy flood insurance before the 30-day waiting period.
- Identify your evacuation zone and multiple routes out of your area.
- Talk with family about a communication plan and designated meeting points.
- Photograph and digitally back up valuable documents and property records.
Conclusion: use the new guidance to protect what matters
Officials are providing clearer, more focused preparedness information ahead of the 2025 hurricane season so you can make timely and effective choices. By understanding the evolving tools and recommendations — especially about storm surge, improved forecasting, refined evacuation guidance, and layered communications — you’ll be in a much stronger position to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
Take action now: sign up for alerts, assemble your kit, check your insurance, and make a clear evacuation plan. Officials will continue to provide real-time guidance when storms threaten — having your preparations in place means you’ll be ready to act quickly and confidently.