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Storm preparation checklist: how to prepare for a storm
Key takeaways
- Every big storm follows the same plan: stock up, secure the house, charge everything, know where you'll shelter.
- A watch means get ready; a warning means act now.
- Plan for at least 3 days without power or stores — water first: 1 gallon per person per day.
- Most storm deaths come from flood water, falling trees, carbon monoxide and fire — not the wind itself.
Whether it's a line of severe thunderstorms, a tornado outbreak, a winter storm or a hurricane, the preparation is about 80% the same. Use the timeline below for any storm, then check the table for what changes with each type.
3–5 days before: when a storm shows up in the forecast
- Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on every phone and sign up for your county's alerts
- Check your water: at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, ideally 2 weeks (how much water to store)
- Check food that needs no cooking, plus a manual can opener (emergency food list)
- Refill prescriptions and baby, pet and medical supplies
- Test flashlights, the NOAA Weather Radio and carbon monoxide alarms; buy batteries
- Get some cash in small bills
- Review your family emergency plan: out-of-area contact, meeting place, where you'd go if you must leave
24–48 hours before: the storm is coming
- Fill the gas tank and charge every phone, power bank and power station
- Bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills, trash cans and anything that can fly
- Clear gutters and drains; move cars away from large trees if you can
- Fill clean containers with water; freeze jugs of water to keep the fridge and freezer cold longer
- Turn the fridge and freezer to their coldest settings and put a thermometer in each
- Pick your shelter spot: an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows
- Put your go-bag, shoes, flashlights and phone chargers in that room
- If you're in a flood zone, mobile home or evacuation zone, decide now whether you're leaving — and leave early
During the storm
- Stay indoors and away from windows; follow the NOAA Weather Radio or local news
- "When thunder roars, go indoors" — and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going out
- If a tornado warning is issued, go to your shelter spot immediately and protect your head
- If the power goes out, use flashlights (not candles) and keep the fridge closed (power outage checklist)
- Never run a generator, grill or camp stove inside, in a garage or near windows (generator safety)
After the storm
- Wait for the all-clear before going out; watch for downed power lines and treat every one as live
- Turn around, don't drown: 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and about 1 foot can carry away a car
- Check fridge and freezer food — toss perishables that were above 40°F for 2+ hours (food safety calculator)
- Follow any boil water advisory
- Photograph damage for insurance before you clean up; wear gloves and boots
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults and anyone who relies on medical equipment
- Restock what you used so you're ready for the next one
What changes with each type of storm
| Storm | Biggest danger | Extra steps |
|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm | Lightning, falling trees, flash floods, short outages | Unplug electronics; stay off corded phones and out of the shower during lightning |
| Tornado | Flying debris, very little warning | Know your safe room (lowest floor, interior, no windows); helmets and sturdy shoes; mobile homes are not safe — go to a sturdy building |
| Winter storm / ice storm | Cold, carbon monoxide, multi-day outages, roads | Plan safe heat (stay warm without power), protect pipes, winter car kit, avoid travel |
| Flood | Moving water, contaminated water | Move valuables up, know higher ground, never drive through water; check flood insurance (often a 30-day wait) |
| Hurricane / tropical storm | Storm surge, flooding, long outages | Know your evacuation zone, shutters or plywood, 2-week supplies (hurricane checklist) |
Storm supply list (what to buy before a storm)
- Water — 1 gallon per person per day (3-day minimum)
- No-cook food + manual can opener
- Flashlights or LED lanterns + batteries
- Battery or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio
- Power banks (and a power station if anyone uses a CPAP or oxygen)
- First aid kit + 7 days of prescriptions
- Battery carbon monoxide alarm
- Cash, copies of documents in a waterproof bag
- Blankets or sleeping bags (winter), rain gear and sturdy shoes
Want quantities for the whole household? Use the supply table in the power outage checklist or download the printable PDF.
Storm preparation FAQ
How do you prepare for a storm?
Follow the forecast and turn on local alerts, stock at least 3 days of water, food, medication and batteries, charge everything, secure outdoor items, fill your gas tank, and decide in advance where you'll shelter — or go, if you have to leave.
How far in advance should I prepare for a storm?
Keep a basic kit ready year-round. When a storm appears in the forecast (often 3–5 days ahead for winter storms and hurricanes), top off supplies. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can form within hours, so your shelter plan has to be ready before the watch.
What is the difference between a watch and a warning?
A watch means conditions are favorable — get ready. A warning means it's happening or about to happen where you are — take action now.
Be ready for every storm, not just this one
5 step-by-step manuals plus an offline app that tracks your supplies. $19 once, 60-day money-back guarantee.
Get the Protocol Survival SystemRelated guides
- Hurricane preparedness checklist
- Power outage checklist
- How to stay warm without power
- Emergency kit list
Sources: National Weather Service, "Watch vs. Warning," lightning safety and "Turn Around Don't Drown"; Ready.gov, "Severe Weather," "Thunderstorms & Lightning," "Tornadoes," "Winter Weather" and "Floods" (FEMA); CDC, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention; USDA, food safety during power outages.