Hurricane preparation checklist

Begin with current official instructions

A preparation checklist helps organize responsibilities before an urgent situation. It cannot tell you whether to stay, evacuate, enter a building or operate equipment. Use current local emergency-management information and official alerts for those decisions. Household needs can change, so include the people who will need transportation, communication, medication access or other assistance in your own plan.

Record arrangements rather than a safety score

The checkboxes identify planning areas you have arranged: official information, communication, records, supplies and property-protection help. A checked box means you recorded an arrangement. It does not verify the quality of that arrangement or establish that a home is storm-ready.

Use a private record for contacts and sensitive documents. The public tool does not ask for an address, access code, health history or evacuation destination. Completing the checklist does not contact emergency services or a contractor.

Arrange property work early

Ask qualified providers about any work your property needs and the conditions under which they can safely complete it. Keep installation instructions and building-specific plans with the appropriate professional. Do not treat this checklist as instructions for generators, electrical connections, roof work or structural protection.

Keep the plan usable

Download a copy that you can access if connectivity is disrupted. Share responsibilities through your household’s chosen communication method. If you use My Home, choose the property explicitly before saving the planning record. Revisit the arrangements when the household, equipment, contacts or official guidance changes.

Start with the National Weather Service written-plan guidance and Broward Emergency Management for current local resources.